How do you calculate the relative atomic mass of an element

The relative atomic mass (Ar ) is calculated from 2 things : mass numbers of its isotopes and abundance of these isotopes.Let's use Chlorine as an example. Chlorine naturally exists as two isotopes,  (chlorine-35) and  (chlorine-37). The abundance of chlorine-35 is 75% and the abundance of chlorine-37 is 25%. I.e. in every 100 chlorine atoms, 75 atoms have a mass number of 35, and 25 atoms have a mass number of 37.Ar, = total mass of atoms / total number of atoms Ar = (35 x 75) + (37 x 25) /(75+25) Ar = 35.50Note the number is closer to 35 rather than 37 because the 35-isotope is more abundant.

PJ
Answered by Priyancaa J. Chemistry tutor

42022 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A student titrates 25.00 cm3 of hydrochloric acid with 28.60 cm3 sodium hydroxide solution of concentration 0.200 moles per dm3. The equation for the reaction is: HCl + NaOH to NaCl + H2O. Calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid.


Why do ionically bonded compounds only conduct electricity when molten?


Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using bioethanol over fossil fuels.


Why is chlorine more reactive than iodine?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning