What is the Difference Between Atomic Mass and Average Atomic Mass?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between atomic mass and average atomic mass lies in the fact that atomic mass refers to the mass of a single atom of an element, while average atomic mass takes into account the abundance of different isotopes of an element.
- Atomic Mass: This is the mass of a single atom of an element, typically measured in atomic mass units (amu). It is the sum of the number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of the atom.
- Average Atomic Mass: This is the average mass of an atom of a particular chemical element, calculated by considering the abundance of different isotopes of the element in nature. The average atomic mass is determined by multiplying the mass of each isotope by its natural abundance and then summing up the results.
In summary, atomic mass refers to the mass of a single atom, while average atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes, considering their natural abundance. When performing mass calculations involving elements or compounds, it is essential to use average atomic mass, which can be found on the periodic table.
Comparative Table: Atomic Mass vs Average Atomic Mass
The difference between atomic mass and average atomic mass can be summarized in the following table:
| Property | Atomic Mass | Average Atomic Mass |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Atomic mass refers to the mass of a single atom of an element. | Average atomic mass refers to the average mass of an atom of a particular chemical element calculated by considering the natural abundance of its isotopes. |
| Calculation | Atomic mass is determined by adding the mass of protons and neutrons in an atom (electron mass is negligible). | Average atomic mass is calculated by multiplying the atomic mass of each isotope by its natural abundance and then adding the obtained values together. |
| Unit | Atomic mass is expressed in unified atomic mass units (u), where 1 u is equal to exactly one-twelfth the mass of a neutral atom of carbon-12. | Average atomic mass is also expressed in unified atomic mass units (u). |
| Usage | Atomic mass represents the mass of a single atom and is useful for understanding the structure and properties of individual atoms. | Average atomic mass represents the average mass of an atom in a particular element and is useful for understanding the properties and behavior of the element as a whole in various applications, such as chemistry and physics. |
In summary, atomic mass is the mass of a single atom, while average atomic mass is the weighted average mass of the various isotopes of a chemical element, considering their natural abundance.
- Atomic Weight vs Atomic Mass
- Atomic Mass vs Molar Mass
- Atomic Mass Unit vs Atomic Mass
- Mass Number vs Atomic Mass
- Atomic Mass vs Molecular Weight
- Atomic Weight vs Mass Number
- Monoisotopic Mass vs Average Mass
- Atomic Number vs Mass Number
- Atomic Number vs Atomic Weight
- Gram Atomic Mass vs Gram Molecular Mass
- Mass vs Molar Mass
- Number Average vs Weight Average Molecular Weight
- Molar Mass vs Molecular Mass
- Exact Mass vs Molecular Weight
- Formula Mass vs Molar Mass
- Atomic Number vs Atomicity
- Formula Unit Mass vs Molecular Mass
- Atomic vs Molecular Elements
- Atom vs Molecule