Question

The atomic mass of uranium is reported as 238.0, yet no atom of uranium has a mass of exactly 238.0 why?

Answer 1

my first guess: the value you quoted is the average atomic mass that takes into account the isotopes of uranium and their abundances.

Answer 2

if we have two birds, one weighs 2 pounds, and the other bird (like me) weighs 10 pounds. the average weight (actually mass) is 6 pounds, but neither bird weighs 6 pounds.

Answer 3

thanks so much :)