How do you find the percent abundance when given the atomic mass?

January 30th, 2010 | by admin |

Specifically in the following problem:

The element Boron exists as B-10 and B-11. The atomic mass of B-10 is 10.001 amu and the atomic mass of B-11 is 10.998 amu. If the average atomic mass of a mixed sample is given as 10.81 amu, what is the percent abundance of each isotope?

I understand that the equation would be x+y=1, which would be 10.001x+10.998y=10.81 but I’m not sure how to continue. Many thanks!

You need one more piece of information, one of the percentages.

  1. One Response to “How do you find the percent abundance when given the atomic mass?”

  2. By darkwater d on Jan 31, 2010 | Reply

    You need one more piece of information, one of the percentages.
    References :

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