The average atomic mass of oxygen is 15.9994 amu. The atomic masses of its three isotopes are as follows: O-16: 15.995 amu; O-17: 16.999 amu; O-18: 17.999 amu Which isotope is most likely to have the greatest abundance in nature?

Question

The average atomic mass of oxygen is 15.9994 amu. The atomic masses of its three isotopes are as follows:  O-16: 15.995 amu; O-17: 16.999 amu; O-18: 17.999 amu  Which isotope is most likely to have the greatest abundance in nature?

anonymous · Answer

THe easiest way to do this is if you compare each isotope to the average atomic mass. It would appear that Oxygen 16 is the most abundant as it is closest to the average atomic mass.