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GCSEChemistry: Combined ScienceEdexcelRevision Notes1. Atomic Structure1.1 Atomic Structure1.1.5 Calculating Relative Atomic Mass

Calculating Relative Atomic Mass (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

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Calculating Relative Atomic Mass

  • The relative atomic mass of each element is calculated from the mass number and relative abundances of all the isotopes of a particular element
  • The equation below is used where the top line of the equation can be extended to include the number of different isotopes of a particular element present
  • So, if there were 3 isotopes present then the top line of the equation would read:

(% of isotope A x mass of isotope A) + (% of isotope B x mass of isotope B) + (% of isotope C x mass of isotope C)

RAM Calculation Formula

Worked example

The table shows information about the isotopes in a sample of rubidium with 72% 85Rb and 28% 87Rb

Isotopes of rubidium, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notes

Use information from the table to calculate the relative atomic mass of this sample of rubidium. Give your answer to one decimal place:

Answer

Relative Atomic Mass = 85.6

Examiner Tip

Isotopes are easy to recognise from their notation as they have the same symbol but different mass numbers. For example, the two stable isotopes of copper are 63Cu and 65Cu

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    Stewart

    Author: Stewart

    Expertise: Chemistry Lead

    Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.