Relative Atomic Mass

[Voltman]

Hi, I want to do Chemistry as part of my VCE next year (unfortunately right now I can only do one  ), should I memorise the relative atomic masses or is it not really essential? How about boiling points or melting points?

BTW, how accurately should I memorise the atomic masses? I've checked out a few periodic tables but unfortunately I've found that some of the atomic masses varies... (this is one of my reasons of my reluctance).

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice, I don't want to memorise the wrong things since it is quite time consuming.

[polky]

You don't need to memorise any of those things.  You are provided with a periodic table in the exam!

[chem-nerd]

There is no need to memorise this at all. You will come to learn the important atomic masses as you use them regularly in calculations.

And, more importantly, you get given a periodic table in the data booklet anyway. You can pick this periodic table up off the VCAA website.

In terms of BPs and MPs, you're better off focussing on WHY they vary due to differences in bonding.

[Voltman]

  Okay, thanks guys.