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There are two reasons:

  1. most naturally occurring elements are mixtures of different isotopes of the element, each having a different atomic mass which when the weighted average is calculated would not give whole numbers even if the individual atomic masses were all whole numbers
  2. the Mass Defect caused by the conversion of some of the mass of the protons and neutrons in the nucleus being converted to Binding Energy according to the equation E = M*c^2 which means that no more than one isotope of one element will have a whole number atomic mass which at various times was arbitrarily chosen to be hydrogen-1 (very old), oxygen-16 (old), nitrogen-14 (old), or carbon-12 (current) and new non-whole number atomic masses were recalculated for all other isotopes based on that one whole number atomic mass of the selected isotope.

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Where are the proton and nuetron located on the periodic table?

In modern periodic tables, they arent; in order to find the number of neutrons in an atom you must subtract the atomic number (the number of protons) from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number). In older ones (from the 1930s), neutrons are listed as Element 0, but outside of very extreme environments (specifically, the core of a neutron star), that element simply does not exist, so it's no longer on the table.


How do you find the number of neutrons in an atom if that number is not told to you?

To find the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number (rounded to the nearest whole number). The atomic mass is generally provided in the periodic table or can be calculated as the sum of protons and neutrons.


Why do elements in the same period have property's that are different from one another?

They have different numbers of valance electrons...


Why are groups 14 and 15 better representatives of mixed groups than are group 13 or group 16?

Groups 14 and 15 on the Periodic Table feature elements which are metals, non-metals, and metalloids.


What materials don't decompose?

elements. everything else will decompose under the right conditions. however i believe you are asking about what can be composted in a compost heap, arent you? lol styrofoam take 1000 years to decompose; i wouldn't consider that a realistic decomposition time plastic (polymers) never biodegrade it just breaks into smaller pieces why wouldnt you just answer the question properly if you know what he meant lol, elements DO break down too and form isotopes or simply vanish into EM energy (half-lives)

Related Questions

Where are the proton and nuetron located on the periodic table?

In modern periodic tables, they arent; in order to find the number of neutrons in an atom you must subtract the atomic number (the number of protons) from the atomic mass (rounded to the nearest whole number). In older ones (from the 1930s), neutrons are listed as Element 0, but outside of very extreme environments (specifically, the core of a neutron star), that element simply does not exist, so it's no longer on the table.


What can you do if the fraction you have can not be easily be converted?

if your numbers arent whole numbers then multiply them out until they are whole numbers that are easier to work with.


What is a typical number on a stem and leaf?

ther usually arent numbers on leafs look on jerseys 4 numbers


How do you know if you were born with the power to bend the elements?

sorry to burst your bubble but......you just arent


What if you have a triangle with no number and is trying to find the area?

measure it with a ruler if there arent any numbers...


Why does the periodic table include elements that arent found naturally?

Because it is intended to represent all known elements, not only those which exist in nature.


Why is atmosphere a mixture and not a compound?

Because the elements in the air arent bonded chemically, they are just literally mix together.


WHAT 11 equals 89?

nope. 11 dont equal 89. those numbers arent close at all duhhh


Is counting numbers whole numbers?

Whole numbers are 1,2,3,4..etc frations decimals and other numbers arent. Whole numbers include 0, counting numbers do not. Counting Numbers are also sometimes referred to as Natural Numbers. But the above answer is correct in that none of these sets: Counting, Whole and Integers include fractions or decimals.


How do you find the number of neutrons in an atom if that number is not told to you?

To find the number of neutrons in an atom, subtract the atomic number (number of protons) from the atomic mass number (rounded to the nearest whole number). The atomic mass is generally provided in the periodic table or can be calculated as the sum of protons and neutrons.


What is la roux phone number?

Her number is 322-1784 is this 02380-322-1784?? or what because there arent enough numbers in this number 322-1784


What is the phone number of Atticus Mitchell?

Im not sure watt it is but he has a fan number! I think celebs arent allowed to give away their numbers!<3