Which term is another name for average atomic mass?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term "average atomic mass" is synonymous with "atomic weight." This concept refers to the weighted average of the masses of the isotopes of an element, taking into account their relative abundances in nature. Each isotope of an element has a unique mass, and the average atomic mass reflects the proportions of each isotope found in a sample of the element, which is typically presented in atomic mass units (amu).

Atomic weight is a more common term used in chemistry and helps scientists communicate the average mass of atoms in a consistent way. It's important to note that while "atomic density," "molecular mass," and "isotope mass" represent different concepts in chemistry – such as the mass of a specific molecule or the density of atoms – they do not apply to the average atomic mass of elements.

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