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Multiple Choice
Potassium consists of three isotopes, 3919K, 4019K, and 4119K. Based on its atomic mass, which isotope of potassium is the most abundant?
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None of the following
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the isotopes of potassium: 39K, 40K, and 41K. Each isotope has the same number of protons (19) but a different number of neutrons.
Understand that the atomic mass of an element is a weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, based on their natural abundance.
Look up the atomic mass of potassium on the periodic table, which is approximately 39.10 amu.
Compare the atomic mass of potassium (39.10 amu) to the masses of the isotopes. The isotope with a mass closest to the atomic mass is likely the most abundant.
Conclude that since the atomic mass of potassium is closest to 39 amu, the isotope 39K is the most abundant.