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20 December, 11:15

Nitrogen has two naturally occurring isotopes, N-14 and N-15. The atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.007 amu. Which isotope is more abundant in nature? Explain

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  1. 20 December, 14:13
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    Suppose that:

    Mass of N-14 = 14

    and Mass of N-15 = 15

    fraction N-14 x 14 + fraction N-15 x 15 = 14.007

    now ... if the fractions were =, that is if fraction N-14 = fraction N-15 = 0.5, then ...

    0.5 x 14 + 0.5 x 15 = 14.5

    more N-15 would make that number larger ...

    0.3 x 14 + 0.7 x 15 = 14.7

    let x = abundance of N-14, then (1-x) = abundance of N-15, and we could solve for x.

    (X) x14 + (1-X) x 15 = 14.007

    14X + 15 - 15X = 14.007

    X = 0.993

    the relative abundance of N-14 = 99.3%

    the relative abundance of N-15 = 0.7%

    So, according to above explanation N-14 is abundant
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