Question

Which of the following options correctly describe atomic mass? Select all that apply.

a. Atomic masses are defined relative to the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
b. The atomic mass of an element can be read from the periodic table.

Answer 1

The correct options that describe atomic mass are: (1) Atomic masses are defined relative to the mass of a carbon-12 atom, and (2) The atomic mass of an element can be read from the periodic table.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct options that describe atomic mass are:

1. Atomic masses are defined relative to the mass of a carbon-12 atom. The atomic mass of an element is expressed in relation to the carbon-12 standard, with one atom of carbon-12 assigned a mass of 12 atomic mass units (amu).
2. The atomic mass of an element can be read from the periodic table. The atomic mass listed in the periodic table is the weighted average of the masses of the naturally occurring isotopes of that element.

Additionally, it is important to note that the atomic mass is the average mass of all the naturally occurring isotopes of an element and is expressed in atomic mass units (amu).