62.93*(x) + 64.93*(1-x) = 63.54
where x is decimal equivalent for that isotope and 1-x for the other isotope.
The element copper, found in nature with an average atomic mass of 63.54u, consists of two isotopes, copper-63 of atomic mass 62.93u and copper-65 of atomic mass 64.93u. Calculate the abundance of each isotope.
I can't come up with an equation to solve it; can someone please help with this?
3 answers
Let the fraction of Copper-65 = x.
Then Copper-63 would be (1-x)
We set up an equation for the "weighted average" of copper based on the individual isotopes of copper:
62.93(1-x) + 64.93x = 63.54
Solve for x to get the % of Cu-63
Use (1-x) to get the % of Cu-65
Then Copper-63 would be (1-x)
We set up an equation for the "weighted average" of copper based on the individual isotopes of copper:
62.93(1-x) + 64.93x = 63.54
Solve for x to get the % of Cu-63
Use (1-x) to get the % of Cu-65
oh ok, I solved it, thank you very much! :]
3 answers