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What would cause the average atomic mass of an element to be close to a whole number?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
It would be because if you are averaging a number there is a chance that it could be a whole number or not.
Jake Caterinea
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
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What would cause the average atomic mass to be close to a whole number?
The average atomic mass of an element would be closer to a whole number if there were few to no electrons. This means having little to no electrons in the element's isotopes.
What is the weighed average mass of an atom of an element?
I'm pretty sure its the atomic mass, cause i have the same question for Integrated Science honors
How do the atomic number change?
The atomic number of an element is FIXED it can not normally be changed. However, if the element's atom is struck by an atomic particle or the element is radioactive then the composition of the atoms nucleus can be altered. Changes to the composition of the nucleus can cause a NEW element to be formed or indeed split the atom into two NEW smaller/lighter atoms.
The various atomic weights of the same element are called?
Atoms of the same element with different atomic masses are known as isotopes. Isotopes differ only by the number of neutrons present in the nucleus of the isotopes. The number of protons is the same for all isotopes of an element (because if there were different numbers of protons, then the atoms would not be of the same element).
Why are most atomic masses a decimal?
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.
What is the factor that affects the atomic number in an element?
More shielding of the outer electrons by the inner electrons is the most important factor that affects the atomic number in an element. A valence electron in an atom is attracted to the nucleus of an atom and is repelled by the other electrons in the atom. The inner electrons shield the outer electrons from the attraction of the nucleus and cause the atomic radius to be larger.
Can two atoms of two different elements have the same mass number?
Yes if they are isotopes of the element, like Carbon-14 and Nitrogen-14
Why some elements possess fractional atomic mass?
It is mostly because elements have many isotopes and their average comes to be also fractional.We cannot weigh the atom therefore its atomic mass is fractional.Even elements with only 1 naturally occurring isotope have fractional mass. This is because the nuclear binding energy is a very large (negative) energy, and it shows up in the atomic mass because of the relativistic adjustment that has to be made --E= mc2,
Why does an atomic number increase?
If you mean looking at the next element on the table then the mass would increase. However, the atomic number is only the number of protons in an atom and is not a true indicator of atomic weight. Variations in Neutron count can cause differences in atomic weights.
Why is it impossible to find the atomic weight of steel?
It isn't impossible.Seven Elements Used in SteelCarbon (C): Carbon, a nonmetallic element, forms a number of organic and inorganic compounds and can be found in coal, petroleum and limestone. It is the principle strengthening element in carbon steels and low-alloy steels. Atomic number 6, atomic weight 12.01115. Manganese (Mn): Manganese is a brittle, metallic element that exists in the ore of pyrolusite. When making steel, it reacts with sulfur and helps to increase the metal's resistance to heat. Atomic number 25, atomic weight 54.9380. Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is a poisonous, nonmetallic element that helps protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Atomic number 15, atomic weight 30.9738. Sulfur (S): Sulfur is a nonmetallic element found mainly in volcanic and sedimentary deposits. Sulfur, in the form of iron sulfide, can cause steel to be too porous and prone to cracking. Atomic number 16, atomic weight 32.064. Silicon (Si): Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust and can be found in rocks, sand and clay. It acts as a deoxidizer in steel production. Atomic number 14, atomic weight 28.086. Nickel (Ni): Nickel is a hard, metallic element that found in igneous rocks. Without nickel, stainless steel would be less resistant to heat and corrosion. Atomic number 28, atomic weight 58.71. Chromium (Cr): Chromium, a metallic element, is found in the earth's crust. It is used in the production of stainless steel to make the steel resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Atomic number 24, atomic weight 51.996.Weigh your piece of steel. add the atomic weights of all these and divide by the weight of steel.Best I can come up with.
Can an atom of two different elements have the same mass number?
Yes. The mass number is basic to the different elements, even more useful than the atomic number. (Unless it is an isotope. Isotopes have a different amount of neutrons than the basic element atom which makes a difference in mass number too. So, a difference in mass numbers doesn't always mean it is a different element.)
Can xenon cause cancer?
Xenon may cause lung cancer, according to some sources. However, the radioactive isotope Xe-133 is used in radiotherapy for cancer tumors. The element xenon is a non-metal that is a noble gas, and it has the atomic number of 54.
