Answer
Verified
379.5k+ views
Hint: We know that it is asked why the atomic mass of most of the elements is fractional. At the macroscopic level, most of the elements exist as a mixture of isotopes which though may be radioactive, affects the mass of the given atom. One the other hand, the mass numbers of the atoms are always whole numbers.
Complete answer:
We know that the atomic mass of an atom depends upon the atomic mass of each of its isotopes. Due to this mixture of the isotopes, the atomic mass is fractional. The atomic mass of an atom is also known as the isotopic mass of the atom. If you closely look at the periodic table, you can see that the atomic masses or the isotopic masses of the elements are not whole numbers. They may be close to a whole number.
But, they are not whole numbers. The majority of elements exist as a mixture of isotopes of different masses. Because of this combination, fractional atomic masses arise. The atomic mass is the average of atomic masses of all the isotopes of an element. Hence, this difference or variation of isotopic mass and mass number of a specific isotope of an atom is expressed in terms of a quantity known as packing fraction. The value of packing fraction is equal to the difference of atomic mass and mass number whole divided by the mass numbers
Note:
Remember that the negative or positive value of the packing fraction has further meaning to it too. The negative sign of the packing fraction implies that some part of the mass gets converted into energy via Einstein's mass energy relation. This energy is known as the binding energy known normally, and the mass which gets converted into the binding energy is known as mass defect.
Complete answer:
We know that the atomic mass of an atom depends upon the atomic mass of each of its isotopes. Due to this mixture of the isotopes, the atomic mass is fractional. The atomic mass of an atom is also known as the isotopic mass of the atom. If you closely look at the periodic table, you can see that the atomic masses or the isotopic masses of the elements are not whole numbers. They may be close to a whole number.
But, they are not whole numbers. The majority of elements exist as a mixture of isotopes of different masses. Because of this combination, fractional atomic masses arise. The atomic mass is the average of atomic masses of all the isotopes of an element. Hence, this difference or variation of isotopic mass and mass number of a specific isotope of an atom is expressed in terms of a quantity known as packing fraction. The value of packing fraction is equal to the difference of atomic mass and mass number whole divided by the mass numbers
Note:
Remember that the negative or positive value of the packing fraction has further meaning to it too. The negative sign of the packing fraction implies that some part of the mass gets converted into energy via Einstein's mass energy relation. This energy is known as the binding energy known normally, and the mass which gets converted into the binding energy is known as mass defect.
Recently Updated Pages
How many sigma and pi bonds are present in HCequiv class 11 chemistry CBSE
Mark and label the given geoinformation on the outline class 11 social science CBSE
When people say No pun intended what does that mea class 8 english CBSE
Name the states which share their boundary with Indias class 9 social science CBSE
Give an account of the Northern Plains of India class 9 social science CBSE
Change the following sentences into negative and interrogative class 10 english CBSE
Trending doubts
Fill the blanks with the suitable prepositions 1 The class 9 english CBSE
Which are the Top 10 Largest Countries of the World?
Give 10 examples for herbs , shrubs , climbers , creepers
Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell
Difference between Prokaryotic cell and Eukaryotic class 11 biology CBSE
The Equation xxx + 2 is Satisfied when x is Equal to Class 10 Maths
Change the following sentences into negative and interrogative class 10 english CBSE
How do you graph the function fx 4x class 9 maths CBSE
Write a letter to the principal requesting him to grant class 10 english CBSE