What is atomic mass and formula mass?

Atomic mass and formula mass are two concepts used in chemistry to describe the mass of atoms and molecules.

Atomic mass refers to the mass of an individual atom of a specific element. It is usually expressed in atomic mass units (amu) and is determined by the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in the nucleus of the atom. The atomic mass of an element is listed on the periodic table, and it is used in calculations involving the mole, which is a unit of measurement for the amount of a substance.

Formula mass, on the other hand, refers to the total mass of all the atoms in a chemical formula. It is used to describe the mass of a molecule, which is made up of two or more atoms bonded together. The formula mass is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in the molecule, taking into account the number of atoms of each element present in the molecule. Formula mass is usually expressed in atomic mass units (amu) or in grams.

In summary, atomic mass refers to the mass of an individual atom, while formula mass refers to the total mass of all the atoms in a molecule. Both atomic mass and formula mass are important concepts in chemistry, as they are used in a range of calculations and in the understanding of the properties and behavior of atoms and molecules.

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