Q. 2.39 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Two isotopes of gallium occur naturally, ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$ and ${}_{31}{}^{71}Ga$. Which isotope of gallium is more abundant?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The isotope of gallium which is more abundant is ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$

Step 1: Given information

We need to find that out of ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$ and ${}_{31}{}^{71}Ga$ which is more abundant.

Step 2: Explanation

The atomic mass of an element on the periodic table is used to find the most abundant isotope. Gallium has an atomic weight of $69.723 amu$, as can be shown. Although no gallium atom has that mass, it is the average mass of a gallium sample.

When comparing the atomic masses of ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$ and ${}_{31}{}^{71}Ga$, we can see that the atomic mass number on the periodic table is closer to that of ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$.

We can deduce that ${}_{31}{}^{69}Ga$ is more plentiful.