Why are the atomic masses listed in the periodic table not whole numbers?
A)Scientists have yet to make the precise measurements.
B)That would be too much of a coincidence.
C)The atomic masses are average atomic masses.
D)Today's instruments are able to measure the atomic masses to many decimal places.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic masses listed in the periodic table are average atomic masses, which takes into account the different isotopes of an element and their relative abundance. Isotopes have different atomic masses due to varying numbers of neutrons, and the average atomic mass is calculated by taking the weighted average of the isotopes' masses. This results in decimal values for atomic masses.

Why Are the Atomic Masses Listed in the Periodic Table