Atomic mass
Atomic mass, also known as atomic weight, is a measure of the mass of an atom, typically expressed in atomic mass units (amu). It reflects the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes based on their natural abundance.
For example:
- The atomic mass of carbon is about 12.01 amu, which accounts for the natural abundance of its isotopes, primarily carbon-12 and a small fraction of carbon-13 and carbon-14.
- The atomic mass of an element can be found on the periodic table and is generally not a whole number due to the presence of these isotopes.
Atomic mass is important in chemistry and physics as it helps in calculations involving moles and stoichiometry, and it provides insights into the structure of atoms and molecules.
If you have a specific element or topic in mind related to atomic mass, feel free to ask!