Chemistry: The Science in Context (4th Edition)

Published by W.W. Norton & Co.
ISBN 10: 0393124177
ISBN 13: 978-0-39312-417-0

Chapter 2 - Atoms, Molecules, and Ions: Matter Starts Here - Problems - Page 69: 27

Answer

Ordering elements by their mass numbers is not reliable because some elements have isotopes, meaning they have the same atomic numbers, but different mass numbers because of differing numbers of neutrons. Ordering by mass will not be as consistent as ordering by atomic number.

Work Step by Step

Ordering elements by their mass numbers is not reliable because some elements have isotopes, meaning they have the same atomic numbers, but different mass numbers because of differing numbers of neutrons. Ordering by mass will not be as consistent as ordering by atomic number.
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