Answer :
Final answer:
The mass of a single atom of chlorine cannot be exactly 35.5 a.m.u. as it is the average mass considering the two main isotopes of chlorine, chlorine-35 and chlorine-37.
Explanation:
The mass of a single atom of chlorine can never be exactly 35.5 atomic mass units (a.m.u.). This is because the atomic mass of an element is the average mass of all the isotopes of that element, taking into account their abundance.
Chlorine has two main isotopes: chlorine-35 and chlorine-37. Chlorine-35 is the most abundant isotope, making up about 75% of natural chlorine, and it has an atomic mass of approximately 35 a.m.u. Chlorine-37 is the less abundant isotope, making up about 25% of natural chlorine, and it has an atomic mass of approximately 37 a.m.u.
The average atomic mass of chlorine is calculated by taking the weighted average of the atomic masses of its isotopes, considering their relative abundance. Thus, the average atomic mass of chlorine is closer to 35.5 a.m.u. (specifically, around 35.45 a.m.u.) because chlorine-35 is more abundant than chlorine-37. However, the actual mass of a single atom of chlorine can be either 35 a.m.u. or 37 a.m.u., depending on which isotope it is.
Learn more about Isotopes of chlorine here:
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