Interpretation and use of standard atomic weights (IUPAC Technical Report)

Many calculations for science or trade require the evaluation and propagation of measurement uncertainty. Although relative atomic masses (standard atomic weights) of elements in normal terrestrial materials and chemicals are widely used in science, the uncertainties associated with these values are not well understood. In this technical report, guidelines for the use of standard atomic weights are given. This use involves the derivation of a value and a standard uncertainty from a standard atomic weight, which is explained in accordance with the requirements of the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. Both the use of standard atomic weights with the law of propagation of uncertainty and the Monte Carlo method are described. Furthermore, methods are provided for calculating uncertainties of relative molecular masses of substances and their mixtures. Methods are also outlined to compute material-specific atomic weights whose associated uncertainty may be smaller than the uncertainty associated with the standard atomic weights.

Automated summary

This report provides guidelines for using standard atomic weights and discusses methods for calculating uncertainties of relative molecular masses and material-specific atomic weights.