gram atom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “gram atom” mean?
The atomic weight of an element expressed in grams.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The atomic weight of an element expressed in grams; the mass of one mole of atoms of a pure element.
In chemistry, the mass of an element containing the same number of atoms as there are in exactly 12 grams of carbon-12. It is essentially synonymous with 'mole' for a monatomic element, though the term has largely been superseded by 'mole' in modern scientific usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference; the term is equally obsolete in both British and American English scientific discourse.
Connotations
In both regions, the term signals dated or historical scientific writing.
Frequency
Extremely low in contemporary use, with 'mole' being the universal modern term. Might be encountered in historical scientific texts or foundational textbooks.
Grammar
How to Use “gram atom” in a Sentence
gram atom of [ELEMENT]calculate a gram atomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gram atom” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gram-atom concept is outdated.
- Refer to the gram-atom equivalent.
American English
- The gram-atom quantity was listed.
- An outdated gram-atom measurement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical scientific contexts or discussions of the evolution of chemical terminology.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Obsolete term, found in pre-1970s chemistry literature. Superseded by the concept and term 'mole' (SI unit).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gram atom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gram atom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gram atom”
- Using it to refer to molecules. Confusing it with 'gram molecular weight'. Using it in modern scientific writing where 'mole' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term. The International System of Units (SI) adopted the 'mole' as the base unit for amount of substance in 1971, replacing 'gram atom' and similar units.
A 'gram atom' refers to a mole of atoms of a single element (e.g., 16g of O atoms). A 'gram molecule' refers to a mole of molecules of a compound (e.g., 18g of H2O molecules). Both are outdated terms.
Primarily for reading and understanding historical scientific literature published before the 1970s. It provides context for the evolution of chemical measurement.
Yes, that was its key conceptual value. One gram atom of any element contains exactly Avogadro's number of atoms (approx. 6.022 x 10^23), just as one mole of any substance does today.
The atomic weight of an element expressed in grams.
Gram atom is usually technical/scientific in register.
Gram atom: in British English it is pronounced ˌɡræm ˈætəm, and in American English it is pronounced ˌɡræm ˈædəm. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: a 'GRAM' weight of pure 'ATOM's; one mole of single atoms.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STANDARD PACKAGE of atoms, where the package size is defined by mass (grams).
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, universally accepted term that has replaced 'gram atom'?