3.2.1

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).

Calculating relative atomic masses (A<sub>r</sub>)

Calculating relative atomic masses (Ar)

  • We can calculate relative atomic masses (Ar) using the expression shown above.
Equation explained

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'.
E.g. A<sub>r</sub> of chlorine

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.
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States of Matter

2

Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3

Stoichometry

4

Electrochemistry

5

Chemical Energetics

6

Chemical Reactions

7

Acids, Bases & Salts

8

The Periodic Table

9

Metals

10

Chemistry of the Environment

11

Organic Chemistry

11.1

Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2

Naming Organic Compounds

11.3

Fuels

11.4

Alkanes

11.5

Alkenes

11.6

Alcohols

11.7

Carboxylic Acids

11.8

Polymers

12

Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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