Relative masses of

Atoms and Molecules

1
 Atomic mass
• It’s impossible to measure the mass of
individual atoms on a balance, because it is
so small
• Relative Atomic Mass (Ar)=The average
mass of the isotopes of an element
compared to 1/12th of the mass of an
atom of 12C.
 Where are Ar values found?
The values of relative atomic mass (r.a.m.) are usually given
in a data book or found in the periodic table. So you don’t
have to work them out or remember them all!
atomic number

symbol

relative atomic mass

 What about the mass of
compounds?

The mass of a molecule/compound is called the relative

formula mass. This is calculated by adding up the
relative atomic masses of all the atoms in the
molecule/compounds.
How is relative formula mass calculated?

To find the relative formula mass of a compound,

add up the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in its
formula.
Practice

• Calculate the Molar Mass of calcium

phosphate
– Formula = Ca (PO )
3 4 2
– Masses elements:
– Ca: 3 Ca’s X 40.1 = 120.3 g
– P: 2 P’s X 31.0 = 62.0 g
– O: 8 O’s X 16.0 =
128.0 g

– Molar Mass =
120.3g + 62.0g +128.0g
310.3 g/mol
Calculating relative formula
mass