Question

question 3. nitrogen has two naturally occurring isotopes, nitrogen-14 and nitrogen-15. the atomic mass of nitrogen is 14.007 amu. which isotope is more abundant in nature? explain.

Explanation:

The atomic mass of an element is a weighted - average of the masses of its isotopes. Nitrogen - 14 has a mass of approximately 14 amu and nitrogen - 15 has a mass of approximately 15 amu. Since the atomic mass of nitrogen (14.007 amu) is closer to 14 amu, nitrogen - 14 must be more abundant as it has a greater influence on the weighted - average atomic mass.

Answer:

Nitrogen - 14 is more abundant in nature.