1.1.11

Relative Atomic Mass

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Relative Atomic Mass (Ar)

The relative atomic mass (Ar) is the average mass of all of the isotopes of an element. It takes into account how often each isotope is found (the isotope abundance).

Illustrative background for Calculating relative atomic masses (A<sub>r</sub>)Illustrative background for Calculating relative atomic masses (A<sub>r</sub>) ?? "content

Calculating relative atomic masses (Ar)

  • We can calculate relative atomic masses (Ar) using the expression shown above.
Illustrative background for Equation explainedIllustrative background for Equation explained ?? "content

Equation explained

  • The Σ means 'sum of'.
  • The numerator is 'the sum of the isotope abundance times the isotope mass number'.
  • The denominator is 'the sum of all the isotope abundances'.
Illustrative background for E.g. A<sub>r</sub> of chlorineIllustrative background for E.g. A<sub>r</sub> of chlorine ?? "content

E.g. Ar of chlorine

  • Cl may exist as 2 isotopes, 35Cl and 37Cl.
  • Isotope abundances:
    • 75% 35Cl
    • 25% 37Cl
      • Ar = [(75 x 35) + (25 x 37)] / 100 = 35.5.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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