The mass assigned to a carbon-12 atom in the system of relative atomic mass is 12. The atomic mass for other atoms is then derived as a ratio of 1/12 of the atomic mass of carbon-12. The relative atomic mass system is less cumbersome than basing calculations on the actual mass of an atom, which in the case of a carbon-12 atom, is approximately 1.993x10-26 kg.
A single unit of relative atomic mass, also referred to as an amu or atomic mass unit, represents approximately 1.661x10-27 kg, or 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom. Since there are 6 protons and 6 neutrons in a carbon atom, this mass is also representative of the mass of 1 proton or 1 neutron. Using this system, the relative atomic mass of oxygen, which contains 8 protons and 8 neutrons, is conveniently represented by 16 rather than by its individual mass of approximately 2.657x10-26 kg.Learn More
Deuterium, also called heavy hydrogen, has an atomic mass of 2.014 u. Deuterium is one of two stable isotopes of hydrogen. In contrast, hydrogen has an atomic mass of 1.008 u.Full Answer >
The atomic mass of aluminum is 26.98 amu. Aluminum is one of the lightest elements, making it ideal for construction, transportation and other commercial uses.Full Answer >
The atomic mass unit, or amu, is 1/12 the mass of one atom of carbon-12. An atomic mass unit has the mass of 1/(6.0221415 * 10^23) grams.Full Answer >
Carbon is a non-metal. It is a chemical element, listed on the periodic table as atomic number 6. It is abundantly found throughout the universe and is primarily found in coal deposits.Full Answer >