Relative Formula Mass (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry: Combined Science)

• We have seen previously that the symbol for the relative atomic mass is A_r
• This is calculated from the mass number and relative abundances of all the isotopes of a particular element
• The symbol for the relative formula mass is M_r and it refers to the total mass of the substance
• If the substance is molecular you can use the term relative molecular mass, but this term should not be used for ionic compounds such as sodium chloride
• To calculate the M_r of a substance, you have to add up the relative atomic masses of all the atoms present in the formula

Relative Formula Mass Calculations Table

• In accordance with the Law of Conservation of Mass, the sum of the relative formula masses of the reactants will be the same as the sum of the relative formula masses of the products