How is the average mass of a penny related to average atomic mass?
key word: "average"
The average mass of a penny is not directly related to the average atomic mass. Let me explain how these two concepts are different and how they relate to each other.
The average mass of a penny refers to the average weight of a typical penny coin. It takes into account the mass of the copper, zinc, and other materials used in its production. The precise value can vary slightly depending on the year and mint of the penny, as well as potential corrosion or wear.
On the other hand, average atomic mass refers to the average mass of an element's atoms taking into account the different isotopes present in nature. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. Since different isotopes have different masses, the average atomic mass is calculated by considering the relative abundance of each isotope in nature.
To determine the average atomic mass of an element, you need to know the masses of its isotopes and the percentage of each isotope occurring naturally. This information is usually given in the periodic table, where the atomic mass is listed below the element's symbol.
In summary, while the average mass of a penny is specific to the composition of the coin, the average atomic mass is a property associated with the elements and is determined based on the isotopes' masses and their abundances in nature.