To determine the form of an element from its atomic mass and formula weight, you would need to consider additional information beyond just these values. The atomic mass represents the average mass of an atom of the element, while the formula weight is the sum of the atomic masses of all the atoms in a chemical formula.
Here's a general process to determine the form of an element:
Identify the element: Look at the chemical symbol associated with the atomic mass and formula weight values to determine which element you are dealing with. The chemical symbol is a one- or two-letter abbreviation for the element, such as H for hydrogen or Na for sodium.
Consider isotopes: Elements can have different isotopes, which are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Isotopes have slightly different atomic masses. Therefore, knowing the atomic mass alone might not be sufficient to determine the specific isotope present. Additional information about the isotope composition or specific isotope ratios would be required.
Look for other contextual information: To determine the form of an element, you may need to consider other factors, such as the physical state (solid, liquid, gas) or the compound in which the element is found. The chemical formula, along with other experimental data or information about the compound's properties, can provide valuable insights.
For example, if you know the atomic mass of 12.01 g/mol and the formula weight of 180.16 g/mol, you could be referring to carbon. However, without further context, such as the compound it is a part of or the isotope composition, it is challenging to determine the specific form of carbon (e.g., carbon-12 or carbon-14).
In summary, determining the form of an element requires considering additional information beyond just the atomic mass and formula weight. The chemical context, including isotopes and compound composition, is crucial in determining the specific form of an element.