A proton has a positive charge and a mass of approximately 1 amu. An electron has a negative charge and a mass of approximately 1 amu. A neutron has no charge and its mass is negligible. 1.6605655x10^-24 g (1.6605655x10^-27 kg) = 1 amu. 1 amu = 1/12 of the mass of a 12C atom. The reciprocal of 1 amu = Avogadro's number. 1 / 1.6605655 x10^-24 = 6.0220449x10^23. Then, 1 amu = 1.66 x 10-24 g. Difference Between AMU and Grams Definition. AMU: Amu can be defined as a unit of mass that is equal to exactly one twelfth of the mass of carbon-12 atom. Gram: Gram can be defined as the mass that is equal to one thousandth a kilogram (1/1000 kg). AMU: The symbol used to express “atomic mass unit” is amu.
Why does 1 amu = 1 g/mol?
1 Answer
Explanation:
The mole is defined as the number of particles in
In other words,
Still with me? Good.
Now, we also know that the mass of a single carbon-
And so,
Combining, we have:
Therefore we just proved that an atomic mass unit is the same thing as grams per mole. Hope this helps!
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Related questions
Learning Objectives
- Define atomic mass unit.
- Explain how atomic mass units are determined.
How many gallons of gas can fill a car’s tank?
The current system of measurement in the Unites States is a hodge-podge of different units, many of which are hard to interconvert, unlike the metric system. We at least have standardized units these days, unlike centuries past. At one time, measurements of length often were defined as the distance from the end of one appendage to another. For example, the yard would be defined as the distance from the king’s nose to the tip of his thumb when his arm was stretched out.
Standardized measurements make it possible for people everywhere to get the same amount of something. Note the red and white labels on the gas pump above. These labels certify that the gas pump has been checked and is pumping an accurate gallon of gas. Standard measurements in science are very important so that we can compare experimental data from one lab to another and make sure we all are talking about the same thing.
Atomic Mass
Masses of individual atoms are very, very small. Using a modern device called a mass spectrometer, it is possible to measure such minuscule masses. An atom of oxygen-16, for example, has a mass of 2.66 × 10 -23 g. While comparisons of masses measured in grams would have some usefulness, it is far more practical to have a system that will allow us to more easily compare relative atomic masses. Scientists decided on using the carbon-12 nuclide as the reference standard by which all other masses would be compared. By definition, one atom of carbon-12 is assigned a mass of 12 atomic mass units (amu). An atomic mass unit is defined as a mass equal to one twelfth the mass of an atom of carbon-12. The mass of any isotope of any element is expressed in relation to the carbon-12 standard. For example, one atom of helium-4 has a mass of 4.0026 amu. An atom of sulfur-32 has a mass of 31.972 amu.
The carbon-12 atom has six protons and six neutrons in its nucleus for a mass number of 12. Since the nucleus accounts for nearly all of the mass of the atom, a single proton or single neutron has a mass of approximately 1 amu. However, as seen by the helium and sulfur examples, the masses of individual atoms are not whole numbers. This is because an atom’s mass is affected very slightly by the interactions of the various particles within the nucleus, and the small mass of the electron is taken into account.
Summary
- Carbon-12 is the reference for all atomic mass calculations.
- An atomic mass unit is defined as a mass equal to one twelfth the mass of an atom of carbon-12.
- The mass of an atom is affected by the interactions of particles within the nucleus.
Practice
Use the link below to answer the following questions:
- What is the atomic mass unit based on?
- What is another term for atomic mass unit?
- What mistake is in the second paragraph?
Review
- What instrument is used to measure the mass of atoms?
- How much does a single oxygen-16 atom weigh in grams?
- What is the reference standard for atomic mass units?
- How is an atomic mass unit defined?
- Why are the numbers for atomic mass of individual atoms not whole numbers?
Glossary
What Is Atomic Mass Unit
- atomic mass unit: Abbreviated as “amu.” A mass equal to one twelfth the mass of an atom of carbon-12.
1 Amu Proton
Show ReferencesReferences
1 Amu To G
1 Amu
- Derek Jensen (Wikimedia: Tysto). http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas-pump-Indiana-USA.jpg.