Explore the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer
Mix isotopes of chlorine, copper, boron and more and see the weighted average atomic mass on the periodic table. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer?
Mix isotopes of chlorine, copper, boron and more and see the weighted average atomic mass on the periodic table. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Mass spectrometers use this to identify substances, dating and forensic labs use isotope ratios, and medicine uses isotopes for imaging.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
The atomic mass on the periodic table is a weighted average of all the isotopes.
More of the heavier isotope makes the average heavier.
Press Natural mix and compare with the periodic table value.
Set chlorine to 50 percent of each isotope. How far is the average from the real one?
Make a boron sample that is nearly all boron-11.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Atomic & Quantum learners
Advanced high-school and university students in chemistry and physics, and curious learners who want to see how the atomic world behaves.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Set chlorine to 50 percent of each isotope. How far is the average from the real one?. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why is atomic mass not a whole number?
Because it is the average over several isotopes, weighted by how common each one is.
What makes an isotope?
The same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.
Is the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer free to use?
Yes. The Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Atomic & Quantum group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer?
1. In the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer, use the controls to change Element, Percent of the lighter isotope. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer, pick an option such as Chlorine, Copper, Boron, Lithium to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer, press "Natural mix", "Shuffle sample" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Press Natural mix and compare with the periodic table value. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.
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Try the Isotopes & Average Atomic Mass Mixer now
Mix isotopes of chlorine, copper, boron and more and see the weighted average atomic mass. Free to use.
Try it free