Ask Question
22 March, 03:03

Nitrogen has two naturally occurring isotopes, N-14 and N-15. The atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.007 amu. Which isotope is more abundant in nature? Explain

+1
Answers (1)
  1. 22 March, 06:50
    0
    Suppose that:

    Mass of N-14 = 14

    and Mass of N-15 = 15

    fraction N-14 x 14 + fraction N-15 x 15 = 14.007

    now ... if the fractions were =, that is if fraction N-14 = fraction N-15 = 0.5, then ...

    0.5 x 14 + 0.5 x 15 = 14.5

    more N-15 would make that number larger ...

    0.3 x 14 + 0.7 x 15 = 14.7

    let x = abundance of N-14, then (1-x) = abundance of N-15, and we could solve for x.

    (X) x14 + (1-X) x 15 = 14.007

    14X + 15 - 15X = 14.007

    X = 0.993

    the relative abundance of N-14 = 99.3%

    the relative abundance of N-15 = 0.7%

    So, according to above explanation N-14 is abundant
Know the Answer?
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question ✅ “Nitrogen has two naturally occurring isotopes, N-14 and N-15. The atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.007 amu. Which isotope is more abundant in ...” in 📘 Chemistry if you're in doubt about the correctness of the answers or there's no answer, then try to use the smart search and find answers to the similar questions.
Search for Other Answers