Question

What is the average mass of a single chlorine atom in grams

Answer 1

The average mass of a single chlorine atom is 5.89 x 10^-23 grams

Step-by-step explanation:

The average mass of a single chlorine atom can be determined by considering the relative atomic mass of the two isotopes of chlorine: chlorine-35 and chlorine-37. The average mass is calculated by multiplying the abundance of each isotope by its mass and then adding the products together. For chlorine, the average mass is:

(0.758 x 35) + (0.242 x 37) = 35.45 atomic mass units (amu)

To convert this to grams, we can use the relationship that 1 amu is equal to 1.66054 x 10^-24 grams. Therefore:

35.45 amu = 35.45 x 1.66054 x 10^-24 grams = 5.89 x 10^-23 grams

Answer 2

If you look at the chlorine box, with the symbol Cl, you see the atomic mass is equal to 35.453 atomic mass units. This is the weighted average mass of chlorine, including its isotopes, as found in nature. This also means that one mole of chlorine atoms has a mass of 35.453 grams.