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The Atomic Mass is written as a decimal because it is a weighted average of all the different isotopes of the element. For example, Hydrogen comes is isoptopes with atomic masses of 1 (1 proton), 2 (1 proton, 1 neutron), and 3 ( 1 proton, 2 neutrons). However, the vast majority of hydrogen atoms contain only one proton, so hydrogen is assigned an atomic mass of 1.00795.

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What 2 numbers are shown in tye periodic table for each element?

The number above the symbol is the atomic number, or the number of protons in the nucleus of one atom of the element. It is this number by which they organized the periodic table. If this number changes so does the identity of the element. In a balanced atom this number will also be the number of electrons in the electron cloud. The number below is the atomic mass number, or the average number of particles (protons plus neutrons) in the nucleus. Since the number of neutrons can change this number must be given as an average so it may contain a decimal.


What do the numbers on mendeleev's periodic table represent?

The numbers on Mendeleev's periodic table represent the atomic number of each element, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. This number determines the element's identity and its placement in the periodic table.


What is the number on the periodic table for sodium?

The atomic number of sodium is 11. Other numbers are 3rd period and column 1.


Where is the period number found on the periodic chart of the elemnts?

Usually at the top ... and classically written in Roman numerals.Yes, there are numbers at the top of a periodic table, although they are for the groups/families on the periodic table. Usually the period numbers are found to the left of the periodic table.


Why elements don't have whole numbers?

do you mean the why is the average atomic mass not a whole number? because if that is your question, then the answer is that each element has multipal isotopes and the mass you see on the periodic table is the average of all the isotopes together. So there has to be a decimal on the periodic table of elements


What are the big numbers called on the periodic table?

The big numbers are atomic numbers. They are equal to number of protons. Elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number.


Is your modern periodic table based on atomic mass or atomic number?

The modern periodic table is arranged according to the elements' atomic numbers.


What number is periodic table arranged by?

Periodic table is arranged by atomic number. elements are arranged in groups and periods.


What do the numbers at the top of each column stand for in the Periodic Table?

the number of protons


What do the period numbers on the periodic table?

There are 7 periods. These describe number of shells.


Is the periodic table organized by atomic numbers?

The Periodic Table is.


How do you find the mass of hydrogen?

Look on a periodic table. If you have different isotopes then you need to multiply the mass number and atomic number and then find the average of them and you'll have the average atomic mass which is the same as on the periodic table. The location of the mass number on a periodic table depends but it's normally the one with a decimal.