atomic weight
The term "atomic weight" is crucial in understanding the composition and behavior of elements in both chemistry and physics.
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Definition
C1Chemistry
(technical, academic)The average mass of atoms of an element, considering the natural abundance of its isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu).
Example
- The atomic weight of carbon is approximately 12.01 amu.
- Knowing the atomic weight helps in calculating the quantities needed for a chemical reaction.
C1Physics
(technical, academic)A weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes, reflecting their relative abundance.
Example
- Physicists use the atomic weight to understand atomic properties and behaviors.
- The atomic weight of an element can vary slightly depending on isotopic composition.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "atomic weight":