Chemistry: The Central Science (13th Edition)

by Brown, Theodore E.; LeMay, H. Eugene; Bursten, Bruce E.; Murphy, Catherine; Woodward, Patrick; Stoltzfus, Matthew E.

Published by Prentice Hall

ISBN 10: 0321910419

ISBN 13: 978-0-32191-041-7

Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions - Exercises - Page 75: 2.34b

Answer

This number is an average, not the mass of an individual isotope.

Work Step by Step

The atomic mass of carbon is written as 12.011 amu because this is the average mass of all carbon isotopes. Because the vast majority of carbon isotopes in the world are carbon-12, this number is extremely close to 12. However, because other carbon isotopes exist, this average is slightly above 12 amu.

Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.

GradeSaver will pay $15 for your literature essays

GradeSaver will pay $25 for your college application essays

GradeSaver will pay $50 for your graduate school essays – Law, Business, or Medical

GradeSaver will pay $10 for your Community Note contributions

GradeSaver will pay $500 for your Textbook Answer contributions