Candium!!

Purpose

•  To use a Candium model to explain the concept of atomic mass. 
•  To analyze the isotope of Candium and calculate its atomic mass.

Materials

• Sample of Candium
• Triple Beam Balance

Procedures

1. Obtain sample of Candium
2. Separate it into its 4 isotopes
3. Determine the total mass for each isotope
4. Count of the numbers of each isotope 
5. Record data and calculations in the data table 

     create a data table that has the following:

• average mass of each isotope
• percent abundance of each isotope
• relative abundance of each isotope
• relative mass of each isotope
• average mass of all isotopes

     Your Date Table Should Have Five Columns And Seven Rows!!

Discussion:

1. Summarize what you did.
2. Define the term isotope.
3. Explain the difference between percent abundance and relative abundance. (Hint: What is the result when you total the individual percent abundance values for each isotope? What is the result when you total the individual relative abundance values for each isotope?)
4. Compare the total values for rows 3 and 6 in the data table.  How does the average mass differ from the relative mass?
5. Compare your value for relative mass to that of the class. 
6. Comment on your percent error, sources of error in the activity, and provide suggestions for improvement.
7. comment on how the activity is a model for calculating atomic mass of real elements.

Conclusion:  Personal commentary on the lab activity.