atomic weight
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- (Chemistry) The mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units: It is a weighted average of the masses of all the naturally occurring isotopes of an element, relative to the mass of an atom of carbon-12, which is defined as exactly 12 atomic mass units.
Usage
- As a subject or object in a sentence: The term "atomic weight" is used to discuss the relative mass of an element's atoms in chemical calculations and discussions.
- Key Point: Although the term uses "weight," it is a measure of relative atomic mass and is dimensionless, but is expressed in atomic mass units (u or Da).
Examples
- Noun:
- The atomic weight of hydrogen is approximately 1.008.
- In the periodic table, elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, not atomic weight.
- Scientists use the atomic weight to calculate molecular weights for compounds.
Advanced Usage
- "Standard atomic weight": Refers to the recommended value published by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry), which is often given as an interval to reflect natural isotopic variation.
- The standard atomic weight of boron is listed as [10.806, 10.821].
- Distinction from "atomic mass": In modern terminology, "atomic weight" is often used synonymously with "relative atomic mass," while "atomic mass" can refer to the mass of a specific isotope.
- The atomic mass of carbon-12 is exactly 12 u, while its atomic weight is 12.011.
Variants and Related Words
- Relative atomic mass (Aᵣ): The modern, more precise term for atomic weight.
- Atomic mass unit (amu or u): The standard unit of mass used for expressing atomic and molecular masses. One atomic mass unit is defined as one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
- Isotopic mass: The mass of a specific isotope of an element.
Synonyms
- Relative atomic mass: The preferred term in modern scientific contexts.
- Mean atomic mass: Emphasizes it is an average.
Related Phrases
- To determine the atomic weight: A phrase describing the process of calculating or measuring this value.
- Early chemists worked to determine the atomic weight of elements.
- Based on atomic weight: A phrase indicating a calculation or order uses this value.
- Mendeleev's first periodic table was based on atomic weight.
Noun
- (chemistry) the mass of an atom of a chemical element expressed in atomic mass units