Select The Correct Answer.Given The Data In The Table, What Is The Average Atomic Mass Of Chlorine?$\[ \begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|} \hline & Chlorine-35 & Chlorine-37 \\ \hline Atomic Mass & 34.969 \text{ Amu} & 36.966 \text{ Amu} \\ \hline
Atomic mass is a fundamental concept in chemistry that plays a crucial role in understanding the properties and behavior of elements. It is a measure of the total mass of an atom, taking into account the masses of its protons, neutrons, and electrons. In this article, we will explore the concept of atomic mass and how to calculate it using the data provided in a table.
What is Atomic Mass?
Atomic mass is the average mass of an atom of an element, expressed in atomic mass units (amu). It is a weighted average of the masses of the naturally occurring isotopes of an element. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons (atomic number) but differ in the number of neutrons in their nuclei.
Calculating Average Atomic Mass
To calculate the average atomic mass of an element, we need to know the masses of its naturally occurring isotopes and their relative abundances. The relative abundance of an isotope is the percentage of that isotope present in a sample of the element.
Let's consider the data provided in the table:
| Isotope | Atomic Mass (amu) | Relative Abundance (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine-35 | 34.969 | 75.78 |
| Chlorine-37 | 36.966 | 24.22 |
Step 1: Convert Relative Abundances to Decimal Form
To calculate the average atomic mass, we need to convert the relative abundances from percentages to decimal form.
| Isotope | Atomic Mass (amu) | Relative Abundance (decimal) |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine-35 | 34.969 | 0.7578 |
| Chlorine-37 | 36.966 | 0.2422 |
Step 2: Calculate the Weighted Average
To calculate the average atomic mass, we multiply the atomic mass of each isotope by its relative abundance and add the results.
Average Atomic Mass = (Atomic Mass of Chlorine-35 x Relative Abundance of Chlorine-35) + (Atomic Mass of Chlorine-37 x Relative Abundance of Chlorine-37)
Average Atomic Mass = (34.969 x 0.7578) + (36.966 x 0.2422)
Average Atomic Mass = 26.51 + 8.95
Average Atomic Mass = 35.46
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average atomic mass of chlorine is 35.46 amu. This value is a weighted average of the masses of the naturally occurring isotopes of chlorine, taking into account their relative abundances.
Importance of Atomic Mass in Chemistry
Atomic mass is a crucial concept in chemistry that plays a vital role in understanding the properties and behavior of elements. It is used to calculate the atomic mass of compounds, which is essential in determining their chemical properties and behavior.
Real-World Applications of Atomic Mass
Atomic mass has numerous real-world applications in various fields, including:
- Chemical Analysis: Atomic mass is used to identify and quantify the elements present in a sample.
- Materials Science: Atomic mass is used to design and develop new materials with specific properties.
- Nuclear Energy: Atomic mass is used to calculate the energy released during nuclear reactions.
Conclusion
Q: What is the difference between atomic mass and atomic number?
A: The atomic number is the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom, while the atomic mass is the total mass of an atom, taking into account the masses of its protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Q: Why is atomic mass important in chemistry?
A: Atomic mass is important in chemistry because it helps us understand the properties and behavior of elements. It is used to calculate the atomic mass of compounds, which is essential in determining their chemical properties and behavior.
Q: How is atomic mass calculated?
A: Atomic mass is calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of each isotope by its relative abundance and adding the results. The relative abundance of an isotope is the percentage of that isotope present in a sample of the element.
Q: What is the average atomic mass of chlorine?
A: The average atomic mass of chlorine is 35.46 amu. This value is a weighted average of the masses of the naturally occurring isotopes of chlorine, taking into account their relative abundances.
Q: What is the significance of atomic mass in nuclear energy?
A: Atomic mass is used to calculate the energy released during nuclear reactions. It is also used to design and develop new nuclear reactors and fuel cycles.
Q: Can atomic mass be used to identify the elements present in a sample?
A: Yes, atomic mass can be used to identify the elements present in a sample. By analyzing the atomic mass of the elements present in a sample, we can determine the chemical composition of the sample.
Q: What is the difference between atomic mass and molecular mass?
A: Atomic mass is the mass of a single atom, while molecular mass is the mass of a molecule, which is a group of atoms bonded together.
Q: How is atomic mass related to the periodic table?
A: Atomic mass is related to the periodic table because the atomic mass of an element is listed in the periodic table. The atomic mass of an element is used to determine its position in the periodic table.
Q: Can atomic mass be used to predict the properties of an element?
A: Yes, atomic mass can be used to predict the properties of an element. By analyzing the atomic mass of an element, we can determine its chemical properties and behavior.
Q: What is the significance of atomic mass in materials science?
A: Atomic mass is used to design and develop new materials with specific properties. It is also used to predict the behavior of materials under different conditions.
Q: Can atomic mass be used to calculate the energy released during chemical reactions?
A: Yes, atomic mass can be used to calculate the energy released during chemical reactions. It is also used to predict the products of chemical reactions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, atomic mass is a fundamental concept in chemistry that plays a crucial role in understanding the properties and behavior of elements. By analyzing the atomic mass of an element, we can gain valuable insights into its chemical properties and behavior.