Chemistry Problem - Difference between relative atomic mass and average atomic mass

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Megane Thomas

February 17, 2020 21:53

Earlier on in the "Atoms, compounds and ions" playlist the weighted average of atomic masses was described as the relative atomic mass, but later on it was described as average atomic mass without an explanation as to the difference between the two. I have searched for an article or video on it but I can't seem to find anything explaining the difference. I also looked for other explanations online but kept getting different answers. I know that the two concepts are related, but I don't understand what exactly is the difference that would warrant having two different terms.

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/atomic-structure-and-properties/mass-spectrometry/a/isotopes-and-mass-spectrometry

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Monique Faith

February 21, 2020 03:33
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Hi Megane!

I'm probably too late, but I found some information on Quora and an article on Khan Academy.

The definition might just depend on the level of Chemistry you're studying. According to Khan Academy, relative mass is the same as atomic weight, and atomic weight is the average atomic mass of all isotopes of that element. The answers on Quora, however, might have more relation to mass spectrometry.

I hope this helps; I'm sorry if this answer isn't very precise (I'm still learning Chemistry myself).

Cheers!
Megane Thomas

February 21, 2020 04:03
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Hey Monique!

No you're not too late, perfect timing actually. This was really helpful, thank you so much! :)
Monique Faith

February 21, 2020 04:30
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Yay! That's great! So happy it helped! ^^

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Chemistry Problem - Difference between relative atomic mass and average atomic mass

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