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

33713 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does an increase in concentration affect the rate of reaction


Chlorine reacts with potassium bromide to form potassium chloride and bromine. In this reaction chlorine forms chloride ions: Cl2 + 2KBr --> 2KCl + Br2. Explain, using the equation, how you know that chlorine has been reduced.


Give the names of three commonly known types of subatomic particles along with their charge and relative masses. In the basic model of the atomic structure, where would one find each of these particles?


2NaNO3 --> 2NaNO2 + O2. When a sample of solid sodium nitrate was heated 96cm3 of gas was collected, calculate the mass of NaNO3 Decomposed


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning