Which statement best explains why most atomic masses on the Periodic Table are decimal numbers?

(1) Atomic masses are determined relative to an H-1 standard.

(2) Atomic masses are determined relative to an O-16 standard.

(3) Atomic masses are a weighted average of the naturally occurring isotopes.

(4) Atomic masses are an estimated average of the artificially produced isotopes.

Question

Chemistry

Guest

6 November, 03:35

Which statement best explains why most atomic masses on the Periodic Table are decimal numbers?

(1) Atomic masses are determined relative to an H-1 standard.

(2) Atomic masses are determined relative to an O-16 standard.

(3) Atomic masses are a weighted average of the naturally occurring isotopes.

(4) Atomic masses are an estimated average of the artificially produced isotopes.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Harold Haynes · Answer 1

(3) Atomic masses are a weighted average of the naturally occurring isotopes.

Here, we found this answer my looking at the key words 'naturally occurring isotopes'

An isotope is a different amount of neutrons, making the atomic mass change.