Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet Related

Review Chemistry HESI A2 Quizlet related questions and content

What term refers to the average of the masses of each of its isotopes as they occur in nature?

  • A. Atomic number
  • B. Mass number
  • C. Atomic mass
  • D. Neutron number
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is atomic mass. Atomic mass is the weighted average of the masses of an element's isotopes. It takes into account the abundance of each isotope in nature to provide a more accurate representation of the element's overall mass.

Choice A, atomic number, represents the number of protons in an atom. Choice B, mass number, refers to the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom's nucleus. Choice D, neutron number, specifically focuses on the count of neutrons in an atom's nucleus. These choices do not directly relate to the average mass of isotopes as asked in the question.