Question

2.39 potassium has three naturally occurring isotopes (³⁹k, ⁴⁰k, and ⁴¹k), but ⁴⁰k has a very low natural abundance. which of the other two isotopes is the more abundant? briefly explain your answer.

Explanation:

The atomic - mass of potassium on the periodic table is approximately 39.1. Since $^{40}K$ has a very low natural abundance, and the atomic - mass is close to 39, it implies that the isotope with a mass number of 39 ($^{39}K$) is more abundant. The atomic mass of an element is a weighted average of the masses of its isotopes, weighted by their natural abundances.

Answer:

$^{39}K$ is more abundant.