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Atomic Mass is usually not a perfect whole number because it accounts for the weighted average of all the isotopes of an element, each with different masses and abundances. Isotopes are variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in varied atomic masses. Since these isotopes exist in different proportions in nature, the average atomic mass reflects these variations, leading to non-integer values. Additionally, the presence of binding energy and the effects of nuclear forces can also contribute to slight differences in mass measurements.

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How can you use the periodic table to determine the average number of neutrons and elements has even though the number of neutrons is not listed?

To determine the average number of neutrons in an element using the periodic table, first locate the element's atomic mass (usually a decimal number) and its atomic number (a whole number). The atomic number represents the number of protons, while the atomic mass is approximately the sum of protons and neutrons. By subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass and rounding to the nearest whole number, you can estimate the average number of neutrons for that element.


What is the nearest whole number of atomic mass of potassium?

The nearest Whole number of atomic mass of potassium is 69


Why is the atomic mass of an element not a whole number while the atomic number is?

The atomic number refers to the number of protons in the atom. Since the proton cannot be an in-between number, the atomic number will have to be a whole number. On the other hand, the atomic mass does not have to be a whole number because it is the mass of an atom and is roughly equivalent to the number of protons plus the average number of neutrons in that particular element.


What is an element's atomic mass not listed as a whole number on the periodic table?

Few elements have isotopes. their atomic mass is not a whole number.


Why is the atomic mass of nobelium a whole number?

The atomic mass of nobelium reported as a whole number is usually the average atomic mass of its isotopes, taking into account the natural abundance of each isotope. Since this average is calculated from the weighted average of the isotopes' masses, the result often appears as a whole number.

Related Questions

Why is atomic mass usually a whole number?

It is not usually a whole number. It would appear that you have been misinformed.


Is there a difference between a perfect square and a square?

No, but a perfect square is usually the square of a whole number.


Which number in an element box on the periodic table is the atomic number?

The atomic number is the whole number indicating the number of protons. It is usually directly above or below the element symbol.


Is 40.08 the atomic number?

No. Atomic number is always a whole number. This would be the atomic mass.


What element has the atomic number for 3.14?

No element has this atomic number. All atomic numbers are whole numbers.


How can you use the periodic table to determine the average number of neutrons and elements has even though the number of neutrons is not listed?

To determine the average number of neutrons in an element using the periodic table, first locate the element's atomic mass (usually a decimal number) and its atomic number (a whole number). The atomic number represents the number of protons, while the atomic mass is approximately the sum of protons and neutrons. By subtracting the atomic number from the atomic mass and rounding to the nearest whole number, you can estimate the average number of neutrons for that element.


What is the the atomic number for carbon rounded to the nearest whole number?

6. An atomic number is always a whole number, so it does not need rounding.


What is the nearest whole number of atomic mass of potassium?

The nearest Whole number of atomic mass of potassium is 69


What is a whole number that can be named as a product of a number with itself?

A perfect square is a whole number that can be named as a product of a number with itself.


When determining the mass of an atom the electrons are not considered. Why can scientists disregard the electrons?

Usually they are measuring just the necleus of the atom since it would be a whole number. This is called finding the Mass number. The atomic weight is the whole atom together, which is a whole lot of decimals. So they take the atomic weight and round it to a whole number for the mass number. For example, Boron (an element on the table) has an atomic weight of 10.811. But scientists round the number upward to 11 to be the Mass number.


When determining the mass of an atom the electrons are not considered can scientists disregard the electrons?

Usually they are measuring just the necleus of the atom since it would be a whole number. This is called finding the Mass number. The atomic weight is the whole atom together, which is a whole lot of decimals. So they take the atomic weight and round it to a whole number for the mass number. For example, Boron (an element on the table) has an atomic weight of 10.811. But scientists round the number upward to 11 to be the Mass number.


Why is the atomic mass of an element usually not given as a whole number even though each individual atom of the element has a whole number of protons and neutrons?

It's the electrons that throw it off.