answersLogoWhite

0

No, it is not.

The Atomic Mass for an isotope of an element is usually close to a whole number but never exactly so. This is because most elements exist in a number of isotopic forms: they are made up of the same number of protons and electrons but differ in the number of neutrons. So the mass of each isotope of the same element will differ from other isotopes by a whole number of mass units. The atomic mass of the element is the average mass of all its isotopes, weighted together in proportion of the abundance of the elements.


The worst offender is dysprosium. The element has 66 proton and electrons 162.5.

164-Dy has a mass of 163.929 and accounts for 28.3% of the Dy on earth,

162-Dy has a mass of 161.927 and accounts for 25.5% of the Dy on earth,

163-Dy has a mass of 162.929 and accounts for 24.9% of the Dy on earth,

and there are 4 more isotopes accounting for smaller proportions. When averaged, the atomic mass for Dy is 162.5 - as far from a whole number as you can get!


User Avatar

Wiki User

7y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

BlakeBlake
As your older brother, I've been where you are—maybe not exactly, but close enough.
Chat with Blake
ViviVivi
Your ride-or-die bestie who's seen you through every high and low.
Chat with Vivi
CoachCoach
Success isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with Coach

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is the atomic weight a whole number?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp