Average Atomic Mass Review

Front

What is average atomic mass?

Back

The weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes, taking into account their relative abundance.

Front

How do you calculate average atomic mass?

Back

Multiply the mass of each isotope by its relative abundance (as a decimal), then sum these values.

Front

What is the formula for calculating average atomic mass?

Back

Average Atomic Mass = (mass1 * abundance1) + (mass2 * abundance2) + ...

Front

What is an isotope?

Back

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Front

What does 'amu' stand for?

Back

Atomic Mass Unit, a standard unit of mass that quantifies mass on an atomic or molecular scale.

Front

What is the significance of neutrons in an atom?

Back

Neutrons contribute to the atomic mass and stability of the nucleus but do not affect the chemical properties.

Front

How many protons does a calcium atom have?

Back

20 protons.

Front

What is the mass number of an atom?

Back

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom.

Front

What is the difference between mass number and atomic mass?

Back

Mass number is a whole number (protons + neutrons), while atomic mass is a weighted average of isotopes.

Front

What is the relationship between isotopes and average atomic mass?

Back

Average atomic mass is influenced by the relative abundances of an element's isotopes.