Waec Model Questions Vol1 2020 Chemistry Question 1

Practice practical question 1 from the 2020 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Chemistry examination. This question covers Isotopes, Relative atomic mass, Mole concept, Mass spectrometry, Sources of experimental error .

Waec Model Questions Vol1 2020 Chemistry Practical
Topics: Isotopes Relative atomic mass Mole concept Mass spectrometry Sources of experimental error
Question 1 WAEC_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • CHEMISTRY • practical

A student uses a magnetic sector mass spectrometer to analyse a pure metallic element X. The mass spectrum shows two isotope peaks at mass numbers 35 and 37. The recorded peak areas are 3.0 × 10⁵ for the 35‑amu peak and 1.0 × 10⁵ for the 37‑amu peak. The student also weighs a 0.500 g sample of the same metal on an analytical balance. Using the spectrometric data, the student is required to determine the relative atomic mass of element X and the amount of substance in the weighed sample.

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the percentage abundance of each isotope of X from the peak‑area data.
( b )
Using the abundances from part (a), calculate the relative atomic mass of element X.
( c )
Determine the number of moles of X present in the 0.500 g sample using the relative atomic mass obtained in part (b).
( d )
Suggest one probable source of error that could affect the percentage abundances obtained from the mass‑spectrometer and explain how it would influence the calculated relative atomic mass.

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About This Question

This is Waec Model Questions Vol1 2020 Chemistry Question 1. It is one of the practical questions from the 2020 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Chemistry examination.

The question covers Isotopes, Relative atomic mass, Mole concept, Mass spectrometry, Sources of experimental error .

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