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Chemistry nmr spectrum question

Please could I have help on part e and part fii of this question? How come the answer is d for e when both bromine atoms have the same abundance? Thanks!
(edited 1 year ago)
These are mass spectra, not NMR spectra.

Since 79Br and 81Br each make up 50% of all bromine atoms:

Calculate the probability that a Br2 contains:

(a) 2 x 79Br (m/z = 158)
(b) 1 x 79Br + 1 x 81Br (m/z = 160)
(c) 2 x 81Br (m/z = 162)

Now compare the ratio of these probabilities.
Reply 2
Original post by TypicalNerd
These are mass spectra, not NMR spectra.

Since 79Br and 81Br each make up 50% of all bromine atoms:

Calculate the probability that a Br2 contains:

(a) 2 x 79Br (m/z = 158)
(b) 1 x 79Br + 1 x 81Br (m/z = 160)
(c) 2 x 81Br (m/z = 162)

Now compare the ratio of these probabilities.

Sorry for the wrong term :frown:
Wouldn’t the probability for all just be 1/4 since they both isotopes have a probability of 1/2?
Original post by Ashirs
Sorry for the wrong term :frown:
Wouldn’t the probability for all just be 1/4 since they both isotopes have a probability of 1/2?

1/4 for 2 x 79Br and 2 x 81Br, but not for 1 x 79Br + 1 x 81Br.

Think about it. Do those probabilities add up to 1?
Reply 4
Original post by TypicalNerd
1/4 for 2 x 79Br and 2 x 81Br, but not for 1 x 79Br + 1 x 81Br.

Think about it. Do those probabilities add up to 1?

Ohh, it should be 1/2 because Br 79 and Br 81 can occur in two ways so 1/4*2=1/2?
Thank you :smile:
Original post by Ashirs
Ohh, it should be 1/2 because Br 79 and Br 81 can occur in two ways so 1/4*2=1/2?
Thank you :smile:

Correct.

Now that means the ratio of p(m/z = 158) to p(m/z = 160) to p(m/z = 162) is 1/4 to 1/2 to 1/4

Try scaling up that ratio and see which option matches it best
Reply 6
Original post by TypicalNerd
Correct.

Now that means the ratio of p(m/z = 158) to p(m/z = 160) to p(m/z = 162) is 1/4 to 1/2 to 1/4

Try scaling up that ratio and see which option matches it best

Yes, D matches, thank you!

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