1.11 Explain how the existence of isotopes results in relative atomic masses of some elements not being whole numbers Flashcards
1
Q
What are isotopes?
A
Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.
2
Q
How do isotopes affect relative atomic masses?
A
The relative atomic mass is calculated using the abundance of different isotopes, which can result in non-whole number values.
3
Q
What are atomic number and mass number?
A
Atomic number and mass number are always whole numbers; they are not averages.
4
Q
How is the mass of atoms compared?
A
The mass of atoms is compared to each other, with a carbon atom having a mass number of 12 as the standard for this comparison.
5
Q
What is the relative atomic mass of carbon?
A
The relative atomic mass of carbon is taken as 12.
It is written as Ar or R.A.M.
