Atomic Weight: What Governs the Number of Neutrons?

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SUMMARY

The atomic weight of an atom is determined by the average mass of its isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (amu), with carbon-12 (C12) serving as the standard at exactly 12 amu. The number of neutrons in an atom is governed by the strong nuclear force, which binds protons and neutrons together in the nucleus, while electrons are held in orbit by the electromagnetic force. Gravity is insufficient to influence atomic structure at this scale. Understanding these forces is crucial for comprehending atomic weight and stability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure
  • Familiarity with atomic mass units (amu)
  • Knowledge of nuclear forces, specifically the strong nuclear force
  • Concept of isotopes and their relative abundances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the strong nuclear force and its role in atomic stability
  • Explore the concept of isotopes and their impact on atomic weight
  • Learn about electromagnetic forces and their effect on electron orbits
  • Investigate the differences between atomic mass and atomic weight
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, physicists, and anyone interested in understanding atomic structure and the forces that govern atomic interactions.

MrEd
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Atomic wieght...

I know, or at least think the wieght of an atom is the number of neutrons...but what I want to know is what governs this number? Is it a gravitational force...I mean all this spinning going on...how can they be so small, so close together and not bump into each other?--what keeps things in order? Please forgive me!
 
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The atomic weight is the average mass of the atom in atomic mass units, (basically a proton is 1 and a neutron is 1).
By average I mean that the various isotopes and their relative abundances are taken into consideration (which is why the mass of H = 1.0008 or whatever)

Gravity is far too weak to hold them together, what ultimately binds the neutrons and protons in the nucleus is the strong nuclear force. The electrons orbit the nucleus by virtue of the electromagnetic force.
 


Atomic mass unit is defined so that C12 has an atomic weight of 12 (exactly). Protons and neutrons have at. wt. slightly greater than 1.
 

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