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------------------------------------------------ The average atomic mass of magnesium is 24.31 amu. What fraction of a sample of magnesium atoms actually has a mass of 24.31 amu?

Answer :

Final answer:

The 24.31 amu average atomic mass of magnesium represents a weighted average of the atomic masses of all naturally occurring magnesium isotopes, not a mass that all magnesium atoms possess.

Explanation:

The question relates to the concept of atomic mass in chemistry. The average atomic mass of an element like magnesium is calculated based on the masses of the different isotopes and their relative abundances. As such, it's important to understand that not all atoms of an element weigh exactly the same as the average atomic mass. Each isotope of magnesium has its own specific atomic mass.

If the average atomic mass of magnesium is 24.31 amu, this signifies the weighted average of the atomic masses of all naturally occurring magnesium isotopes. It does not imply that all, or even a specific fraction, of magnesium atoms have a mass of 24.31 amu. Therefore, it’s incorrect to state a fraction of magnesium atoms weighing precisely 24.31 amu exists.

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