ATOMIC WEIGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Atomic weight, also known as atomic mass, is a fundamental chemical term used to describe the average mass of an atom of an element. It represents the average mass of all the isotopes of an element, taking into account both their abundance and their mass numbers.
The atomic weight of an element is expressed in atomic mass units (amu) and is typically found below the element's symbol on the periodic table. This value is calculated by multiplying the mass of each isotope by its relative abundance and then summing up these values. The result is an average mass that reflects the variations in mass between different isotopes.
Since the isotopes of an element have slightly different masses due to the varying number of neutrons, the atomic weight is not a whole number but instead appears as a decimal. For example, the atomic weight of carbon is approximately 12.01 amu, indicating that carbon exists in nature as a mixture of isotopes, with carbon-12 being the most abundant.
The atomic weight is a critical concept in chemistry and is used for various calculations. It is particularly important in stoichiometry, which involves determining the quantities of elements in chemical reactions. Additionally, it assists in identifying unknown substances, predicting physical and chemical properties, and determining molecular formulas.
Overall, atomic weight provides a means to quantify the mass of an atom and contributes to our understanding of the composition and behavior of matter at the atomic level.
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The weight of an atom of a chemical element in relation to the weight of an atom of hydrogen as a unit.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ATOMIC WEIGHT
- ztomic weight
- stomic weight
- wtomic weight
- aromic weight
- afomic weight
- agomic weight
- ayomic weight
- a6omic weight
- a5omic weight
- atimic weight
- atkmic weight
- atlmic weight
- atpmic weight
- at0mic weight
- at9mic weight
- atonic weight
- atokic weight
- tomic weight
Etymology of ATOMIC WEIGHT
The word "atomic weight" originates from the field of chemistry and is derived from two main components:
1. Atomic: The term "atomic" comes from the ancient Greek word "atomos", meaning "indivisible" or "uncuttable". The Greek philosopher Democritus and his mentor Leucippus proposed that matter was composed of tiny, indivisible particles called atoms.
2. Weight: The word "weight" traces back to the Old English term "wiht", meaning "something heavy or of substance". Over time, it evolved into "weight", referring to the force exerted by gravity on an object.
Thus, the combination of "atomic" and "weight" in the term "atomic weight" refers to the relative heaviness of an atom compared to other atoms based on their masses.
Similar spelling words for ATOMIC WEIGHT
- atomic energy,
- atomic spectrum,
- atomic number 3,
- atomic number 6,
- atomic mass,
- atomic number 2,
- atomic cocktail,
- atomic pile,
- atomic reactor,
- atomic number 8,
- atomic number 7,
- atomic bomb,
- atomic number 9,
- atomic number,
- atomic theory,
- atomic power,
- atomic number 1,
- atomic number 4,
- atomic warhead,
- atomic number 5,
- atomic physics,
- atomic mass unit.
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