Atomic Mass

Atomic mass is a measure of the mass of an atom. It is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. The atomic mass is measured in atomic mass units (amu) and is typically listed below the chemical symbol for an element on the periodic table.

Calculating Atomic Mass

The atomic mass of an element is calculated by adding the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Since protons and neutrons have a mass of approximately 1 amu each, the atomic mass is the sum of these two values.

Isotopes and Atomic Mass

Many elements exist in nature as a mixture of isotopes, which are atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons. Each isotope contributes to the overall atomic mass of the element based on its abundance and mass number.

Study Guide for Atomic Mass

1. Definition: What is atomic mass and how is it measured?
2. Calculation: What is the process for calculating the atomic mass of an element?
3. Isotopes: How do isotopes affect the atomic mass of an element?
4. Practice Problems: Work through sample problems to calculate atomic mass and determine the contributions of isotopes.
5. Real-World Applications: Explore how atomic mass is used in various scientific and industrial contexts.