Calculate the average atomic mass for element X

39.02amu

Explanation:

According to this question, there are four (4) isotopes for element X with the following relative abundance:

Isotope 1 = 9.67%, mass no: 38

Isotope 2 = 78.68%, mass no: 39

Isotope 3 = 11.34%, mass no: 40

Isotope 4 = 0.31%, mass no: 41

To find the average atomic mass of element X, we multiply each isotopes' relative abundance by its mass no and find the sum as follows:

We convert each percentage to decimal abundance:

Isotope 1 = 9.67% = 0.0967

Isotope 2 = 78.68% = 0.7868

Isotope 3 = 11.34% = 0.1134

Isotope 4 = 0.31% = 0.0031

(0.0967 × 38) + (0.7868 × 39) + (0.1134 × 40) + (0.0031 × 41)

3.6746 + 30.6852 + 4.536 + 0.1271

Average atomic mass = 39.02amu

"among the transition metal elements, manganese and zinc have a slight lowering of electronegativities. the reason behind this is that the nuclear charges of these elements are slightly weaker than the other transition metal elements due to the way their valence electrons are filled up. both manganese and zinc have their valence electrons filled up to the 4th shell with 1 pair of electrons (4s2) completely occupying it. although the electrons in the 3rd shell (3d) are yet to be paired since the outer most shell is filled up, the ability of the nucleus to attract electrons is lessened. hence,   the electronegativity (or the ability to attract electrons) is lessened."