Chapter 6.1, Problem 2RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the atomic mass to be not a whole number should be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

The molar mass of a substance is the sum of atomic masses of all the individual atoms present in it. The sum of the protons and neutrons present in a single atom is defined as atomic mass.

Answer to Problem 2RQ

The reason for the atomic mass to be not a whole number is because of the existence of isotopes.

Explanation of Solution

Atomic mass is the sum of the number of neutrons and protons present in single atoms. The compounds having the same atomic numbers but different atomic masses are termed as isotopes. The reason for the atomic mass not to be in a whole number is given as follows:

The atomic mass is the average of the atomic mass of the naturally occurring isotopes for the given element.