Determining Average Atomic Mass in Virtual Chemistry

The Beanium lab involves sorting different types of beans, each representing isotopes of an element. The process includes weighing the beans to determine their mass, counting them to calculate percent abundance, and using these values to compute the average atomic mass of a hypothetical element, Beanium. The lab demonstrates the concept of isotopes and how their varying masses contribute to the average atomic mass of an element.

What are the three types of beans used in the Beanium lab?

• Red, Green, and Black

• White, Black, and Speckled

• Black, Speckled, and Red

• Green, Yellow, and Red

What is the first step after sorting the beans?

• Counting the beans

• Measuring the mass of each pile

• Labeling the beans

• Mixing the beans together

Why is it important to zero or tear the balance before measuring the beans?

• To calibrate the balance

• To exclude the mass of the weighing boat

• To ensure the balance is clean

• To measure the total mass of all beans

What do the different types of beans represent in the lab?

• Different elements

• Different isotopes of an element

• Different compounds

• Different molecules

How can you calculate the average mass of each type of bean?

• By adding the masses of all beans

• By multiplying the mass by the number of beans

• By subtracting the mass of the weighing boat

• By dividing the total mass by the number of beans

What is the next step after measuring the mass of each type of bean?

• Labeling the beans

• Storing the beans

• Mixing the beans together

• Counting the beans

How do you calculate the percent abundance of each type of bean?

• By dividing the number of each type by the total number of beans

• By subtracting the number of each type from the total number of beans

• By multiplying the number of each type by the total number of beans

• By adding the number of each type

What is the final calculation needed to determine the average atomic mass of Beanium?

• Subtracting the mass of the weighing boat

• Multiplying the average masses by their percent abundances and adding them together

• Dividing the total mass by the number of beans

• Adding the masses of all beans

Why is the average mass of all beans considered a weighted average?

• Because the beans have different colors

• Because the beans are mixed together

• Because the beans have different masses

• Because the beans are not in equal portions

What is the hypothetical element being studied in this lab?

• Blackium

• Beanium

• Specklium

• Redium