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Question

How do you explain fractional atomic weight (35.5) of chlorine?


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Solution

  • Atomic mass- Mass of an atomic particle is called the atomic mass.
  • This is commonly expressed as per the international agreement in terms of a unified atomic mass unit (amu).
  • 1 amu = 1.66 ×10−24 g
  • Most of the elements have two or more isotopes.
  • The atomic weight of such elements is an average of the mass numbers of various isotopes.
  • Isotopes- Atoms of an element having the same atomic number but a different mass number are known as isotopes.
  • Atomic number(Z)- The total number of protons in the nucleus of an atom gives us the atomic number of that atom.
  • Mass number(A)- The number of protons and neutrons combine to give us the mass number of an atom.

Chlorine(Cl)-

  • Chlorine has two isotopes Cl-35 and Cl-37 which are present in the ratio of 3:1.
  • Hence, the atomic mass of chlorine is the average of the chlorine atoms, considering its ratio.
  • Atomicmass=3×35+1×374=35.5amu

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