Question

Using a suitable reference such as the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics or http://www.webelements.com, look up the following information for nickel: (a) the number of known isotopes, \((\mathbf{b})\) the atomic masses (in \(\mathrm{u}),(\mathbf{c})\) the natural abundances of the five most abundant isotopes.

Short answer

There are 31 known isotopes of Nickel. The atomic masses (in u) of the five most abundant isotopes are: Nickel-58: 57.9353479 u, Nickel-60: 59.930791 u, Nickel-61: 60.931060 u, Nickel-62: 61.928348 u, and Nickel-64: 63.927971 u. The natural abundances of these isotopes are: Nickel-58: 68.077%, Nickel-60: 26.223%, Nickel-61: 1.140%, Nickel-62: 3.635%, and Nickel-64: 0.925%.

Step-by-step solution

Research about Nickel isotopes

Go to the website http://www.webelements.com, and find the information about Nickel (Ni) isotopes.

Number of known isotopes

After visiting the webpage, we find that there are 31 known isotopes of Nickel.

Atomic masses of the five most abundant isotopes

From the given source, we acquire the atomic masses (in u) of the five most abundant isotopes of Nickel as follows: 1. Nickel-58: 57.9353479 u 2. Nickel-60: 59.930791 u 3. Nickel-61: 60.931060 u 4. Nickel-62: 61.928348 u 5. Nickel-64: 63.927971 u

Natural abundances of the five most abundant isotopes

Using the provided source, we get the natural abundances of the five most abundant isotopes of Nickel: 1. Nickel-58: 68.077% 2. Nickel-60: 26.223% 3. Nickel-61: 1.140% 4. Nickel-62: 3.635% 5. Nickel-64: 0.925% Now, all the information requested in the exercise has been collected. In summary: (a) There are 31 known isotopes of Nickel. (b) The atomic masses (in u) of the five most abundant isotopes are: - Nickel-58: 57.9353479 u - Nickel-60: 59.930791 u - Nickel-61: 60.931060 u - Nickel-62: 61.928348 u - Nickel-64: 63.927971 u (c) The natural abundances of the five most abundant isotopes are: - Nickel-58: 68.077% - Nickel-60: 26.223% - Nickel-61: 1.140% - Nickel-62: 3.635% - Nickel-64: 0.925%

Key concepts

Atomic Masses

When discussing atoms and isotopes, the concept of atomic mass is crucial. Atomic mass is essentially the mass of a single atom, typically expressed in atomic mass units (u). For Nickel, this is particularly important, as it has multiple isotopes, each with its own distinctive atomic mass.
For example:

• Nickel-58 has an atomic mass of 57.9353479 u,
• Nickel-60 measures at 59.930791 u,
• Nickel-61 at 60.931060 u,
• Nickel-62 at 61.928348 u,
• and Nickel-64 comes in at 63.927971 u.

These specific values are calculated based on both the protons and neutrons present in the nucleus. Understanding these atomic masses is pivotal for scientists and researchers in fields ranging from chemistry and physics to materials science and engineering.
In practical terms, atomic mass helps in calculating molecular weights in chemical reactions and understanding the element's behavior in different conditions.

Natural Abundances

Natural abundance refers to how a certain isotope appears in nature relative to other isotopes of the same element. Each isotope of Nickel has a different natural abundance. This aspect is particularly interesting as it varies widely even among the most abundant isotopes:

• Nickel-58 is most prevalent with an abundance of 68.077%,
• followed by Nickel-60 with 26.223%,
• Nickel-61 at 1.140%,
• Nickel-62 at 3.635%,
• and Nickel-64 at a smaller 0.925%.

These figures demonstrate how not all isotopes are equally distributed in nature. Such abundances significantly impact how Nickel is utilized in various applications, including its role in industrial processes, biological studies, and its economic value.

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics

The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics is a comprehensive compilation of information crucial to professionals in the sciences. It includes data about the elements, such as their atomic masses and natural abundances. This handbook acts as a prime resource for accurate and up-to-date scientific information.
For those studying Nickel, the CRC Handbook provides details that are vital for understanding its isotopic composition and characteristics. It's particularly useful for cross-referencing known data, verifying research results or backbone information for educational purposes. Being well-regarded and frequently updated, this resource is indispensable for students and scientists alike in need of reliable information across various scientific disciplines.