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).

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

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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