The Precise Weight of a Mole of Some Pure Elements

question 45

Multiple Choice

The precise weight of a mole of some pure elements like silicon (Si) can vary slightly from the standard atomic mass, or even from sample to sample. Why?

• A) The element may undergo radioactive decay.
• B) The element may react with itself and gain or lose subatomic particles.
• C) The atoms of the element form chemical bonds with each other, and that changes the weight of the element.
• D) The element may have multiple stable isotopes, and the isotopic composition may vary from sample to sample.
• E) The amount of energy absorbed by the element affects the mass of its electrons, and thus the atomic mass can vary slightly.

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Definitions:

Pooled Proportion

A method used to combine the proportions from different groups in statistical analysis to obtain a common proportion.

Test Statistic

A value calculated from sample data during a hypothesis test that is used to decide whether to reject the null hypothesis.

Null Hypothesis

A statistical hypothesis that assumes no significant difference or effect exists among the variables being studied.

Null Hypothesis

The hypothesis that there is no significant difference or effect, serving as the default assumption to be tested against the alternative hypothesis.