answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

The Atomic Mass of an isotope of an element is the mass of the nucleons (neutrons + protons) in an atom of that isotope. This is nearly, though not exactly, equal to the number of nucleons, and so is nearly a whole number.


The main cause for the atomic mass being fractional is that most elements have numerous isotopes, each with a different number of neutrons and so a different atomic mass. The atomic mass for an element is the average of the atomic masses of all its isotopes, weighted together in the proportion of the isotopes' abundance on earth. It is this weighting together that results in the numbers being fractional.

User Avatar

Wiki User

8y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why are most atomic masses a decimal?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which statement best explains why most atomic masses on the periodric table are decimal numbers?

Most atomic masses on the periodic table are decimal numbers because they are weighted averages of the masses of all isotopes of an element, taking into account their relative abundance. Since isotopes have different masses, the atomic mass is typically not a whole number.


How do the decimal places on the atomic masses of elements realate to isotopes?

The atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of masses of the isotopes of the element, weighted in proportion to their abundance.


Why does the atomic mass of some elements is shown as a decimal value?

Many atoms exist in the form of different isotopes. These have different numbers of neutrons and so their atomic masses are different. The atomic mass for the element is the average of these masses, weighted together according to their abundance.


Do copper isotopes have a whole atomic mass?

The isotopes of copper have the relative atomic masses of 63 and 65 and these are approximations. The exact values contain decimal figures.


Is it okay to round atomic masses to the nearest whole number?

No, it is not okay to round atomic masses to the nearest whole number because atomic masses are typically reported to several decimal places to account for the average mass of isotopes present in nature. Rounding to the nearest whole number would lead to inaccurate calculations and results.


What is the molecular mass of allegra C32H39NO4 HCl to 2 decimal places?

The molecular mass of allegra (fexofenadine hydrochloride) is calculated by adding the atomic masses of each atom in the compound. By summing the atomic masses of C32H39NO4 HCl, the molecular mass of allegra is 538.63 g/mol, to two decimal places.


Why do atomic masses have decimal points and look scary?

Most elements exist in the form of isotopes: these are atoms all have the same number of electrons and protons but the number of neutrons varies from one isotope to another. As a result, each isotope of an element has a different atomic mass. The atomic mass given for an element is an average of these atomic masses, weighted together according to the isotope's abundance on earth. That is why they have decimal points and fractional parts.They d not look at all scary! After all, what can numbers do to you? You are much bigger than them!


By adding the atomic masses?

You will get the atomic bomb!


Is the reason that an element's average atomic mas is often a decimal number stems from the fact that elements have isotopes?

Yes, the reason that an element's average atomic mass is often a decimal number is the fact that most elements have more than one isotope stable against radioactive decay and that these isotopes, each of which individually has an integral mass number, occur naturally in amounts that do not lead to integral average gram atomic masses.


The current standard for atomic masses is?

The current standard for atomic masses is based on the Carbon-12 isotope. It is defined as exactly 12 atomic mass units (amu), with all other atomic masses determined relative to it. This standard allows for consistency in measurements and comparisons of atomic masses across different elements.


Why atomic masses are not even numbers?

Atomic masses are not even numbers because they are calculated as the weighted average of the isotopes of an element, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Since isotopes have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, the atomic mass will often be a decimal value. The weighted average helps reflect the natural abundance of each isotope in a given sample of the element.


Why is atomic mass not a constant number?

Atomic mass is not a constant number because it takes into account the presence of isotopes of an element, which have different masses due to varying numbers of neutrons. Atomic mass is a weighted average of the masses of all isotopes of an element, considering their abundances in nature. This is why atomic mass can be a decimal number rather than a whole number.