On the periodic chart, the atomic mass for the element hydrogen is more than the amu for a proton. How would you explain this fact?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 19, 2016

By the presence of deuterium and tritium isotopes.

Explanation:

Deuterium, #""^2H#, and tritium, #""^3H#, are hydrogen isotopes that have a low percentage abundance. The atomic mass quoted on the Periodic Table is the weighted average of the individual isotopes. The heavier isotopes inflate the average atomic mass.

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