Question 13
Chlorine exists in two isotopic forms. Cl - 37 and Cl - 35 but its atomic mass is 35.5. This indicates the ratio of Cl - 37 and Cl - 35 is approximately
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 1 (c) 1 : 3 (d) 3 : 1
Option c is the correct answer.
The fractional atomic mass (35.5) of chlorine is due to the fact that in ordinary chlorine atom, Cl - 37 and Cl - 35 is approximately
∴ Average atomic mass of Cl=3×35+1×374=35.5 amu