The exact atomic weight of bromine can be determined from a sample of carbon tetrabromide (CBr4), which contains 96.38% bromine and 3.62% carbon by weight. Using the atomic weight of carbon (C) as 12 amu, the equations 0.0362 * x = 12 and 0.9638 * x = y lead to the conclusion that y equals four times the atomic weight of bromine. Solving these equations provides a definitive method to calculate the atomic weight of bromine.
PREREQUISITESChemistry students, educators, and professionals involved in chemical analysis or molecular weight calculations will benefit from this discussion.