Multiple Choice
Which element has the lowest atomic mass?
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4. Atoms and Elements
Atomic Mass (Simplified)
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Which element has the higher average atomic mass, cadmium (Cd) or zinc (Zn)?
A
They have the same average atomic mass
B
Zinc (Zn)
C
Cannot be determined without knowing the isotope abundances for each element
D
Cadmium (Cd)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the average atomic mass of an element is calculated based on the weighted average of the masses of its naturally occurring isotopes, taking into account their relative abundances.
Recall that the average atomic mass values for elements like cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) are typically found on the periodic table and are determined from experimental data on isotope masses and abundances.
Recognize that zinc (Zn) has an average atomic mass approximately around 65 atomic mass units (amu), while cadmium (Cd) has an average atomic mass closer to 112 amu, reflecting the combined effect of their isotopes.
Since the average atomic mass depends on isotope masses and abundances, and these values are well-established for these elements, you can compare their standard atomic weights directly without needing to calculate from isotope data.
Conclude that cadmium (Cd) has a higher average atomic mass than zinc (Zn) based on their known atomic weights from the periodic table.
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