To determine the identity of the element with an average atomic mass of 24.3 atomic mass units (amu), we need to compare this value with the known atomic masses of the given elements. Here are the atomic masses of the listed elements:
- Sulfur: 32.06 amu
- Bromine: 79.904 amu
- Calcium: 40.078 amu
- Magnesium: 24.305 amu
Given this information, we can see that the average atomic mass closest to 24.3 amu is for magnesium, which has an atomic mass of 24.305 amu. However, the exact value provided (24.3 amu) does not match any of the atomic masses exactly.
Thus, the element given with the average atomic mass of 24.3 amu does not exactly match the atomic mass of magnesium, which suggests that it is not any of the elements listed accurately, making the identity of the element "unknown" based on the provided choices. Therefore:
- The average atomic mass of the element is 24.3 amu.
- Comparing this value against the known atomic masses of the provided choices:
- Sulfur: 32.06 amu (not a match)
- Bromine: 79.904 amu (not a match)
- Calcium: 40.078 amu (not a match)
- Magnesium: 24.305 amu (closest but not an exact match)
As a result, the identity of the element is "unknown."
