How Do Sulfur Isotopes Determine Its Average Atomic Mass?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the average atomic mass of sulfur using its naturally occurring isotopes and their respective abundances. The focus is on the mathematical approach to derive the average atomic mass, including the formula and methodology involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the isotopes of sulfur along with their abundances and seeks the formula for calculating average atomic mass.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the original request and asks for specifics regarding the formula needed.
  • A participant clarifies that the average atomic mass can be calculated by summing the products of each isotope's mass and its abundance, then dividing by 100.
  • Further elaboration includes a proposed formula that outlines the calculation process, indicating how to apply the masses and abundances of the isotopes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method for calculating average atomic mass, though the exact formula and its presentation are discussed and refined.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the specific formula and its components, indicating a need for clarification on the notation used in the calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying chemistry, particularly those learning about isotopes and atomic mass calculations.

ReoFonzo
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Homework Statement



Sulfur has 4 naturally occurring isotopes:

Sulfur-32 Abundance = 95.0%
Sulfur-33 Abundance = 0.76%
Sulfur-34 Abundance = 4.22%
Sulfur-36 Abundance = 0.014%

Sulfur's symbol is S, it has 16 electrons and a mass of 32.06g

Homework Equations


I'm actually looking for the actual formula which I lost.


The Attempt at a Solution


Sulfur's Isotopes divided by its abundance...
 
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What's the actual question here? What formula are you looking for?
 
Last edited:
how do i find calculate the average atomic mass for sulfur?
 
Well, would you not take the sum of (mass of isotope*abundance of isotope) then divide the sum by 100?
 
m = mass of specified isotope
a = abundance of specified isotope as a part of 1.00 (100%

(m-32 x a-32) + (m-33 x a-33)... etc.

so (32.06 x .95) for sulfur-32 and so on
 

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