Atomic mass units: Difference between revisions

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The Atomic Mass Unit is defined as the twelfth part
{{numeric}}
The '''atomic mass unit''' (AMU) is defined as the twelfth part
of the mass of a C<math>_{12}</math> atom.
of the mass of a C<math>_{12}</math> atom.
Its value (in SI units,
Its value (in SI units,
Line 7: Line 8:
Hence,
Hence,
it is approximately equal to the mass of a proton.
it is approximately equal to the mass of a proton.
Elements are asigned masses in these units which are
Elements are assigned masses in these units which are
not integer numbers. This is because
not integer numbers. This is because
neutrons and protons have slightly different masses,
neutrons and protons have slightly different masses,
because nuclear binding forces cause the total mass
because nuclear binding forces cause the total mass
of a nucleum to be less than that of the sum of
of a nucleus to be less than that of the sum of
its constituents, and, mainly, because of the
its constituents, and, mainly, because of the
appearance of natural isotopes. Thus, Potassium
appearance of natural isotopes. Thus, Potassium
Line 17: Line 18:
isotopes.
isotopes.


Here is a list of masses of elements and compounds in amus:
Here is a list of masses of elements and compounds in atomic mass units:
{| border="1"
{| border="1"
|-  
|-  
| Compound/element || mass in amu
| Compound/element || mass in amu
|-  
|-  
| Ar || 39.95
| Ar ([[argon]])|| 39.948
|-  
|-  
| Xe || 131.29
| C || 12.0107
|-  
|-  
| CO2 || 44.01
| =CH || 13.01864
|-  
|-  
| H2O ([[water]]) || 18.02
| -CH<sub>2</sub>- || 14.02658
|-  
|-  
| N2 || 28.01
| -CH<sub>3</sub> || 15.03452
|-
| Xe || 131.293
|-
| CO<sub>2</sub> ([[carbon dioxide]])||  44.0095
|-
| H || 1.00794
|-
| H<sub>2</sub>O ([[water]]) || 18.02
|-
| N<sub>2</sub> ([[nitrogen]])|| 28.01
|}
|}
Note that sometimes the atomic mass unit is also known as the '''Dalton''' ('''Da'''), especially when dealing with macromolecules such as  [[proteins]].
==References==
#[http://www.iupac.org/reports/periodic_table/index.html IUPAC Periodic Table]
[[Category: Physical constants]]

Latest revision as of 17:57, 29 October 2007

This page contains numerical values and/or equations. If you intend to use ANY of the numbers or equations found in SklogWiki in any way, you MUST take them from the original published article or book, and cite the relevant source accordingly.

The atomic mass unit (AMU) is defined as the twelfth part of the mass of a C atom. Its value (in SI units, CODATA value) is

kilograms

Hence, it is approximately equal to the mass of a proton. Elements are assigned masses in these units which are not integer numbers. This is because neutrons and protons have slightly different masses, because nuclear binding forces cause the total mass of a nucleus to be less than that of the sum of its constituents, and, mainly, because of the appearance of natural isotopes. Thus, Potassium has a mass of 39.10 mainly because of natural K isotopes.

Here is a list of masses of elements and compounds in atomic mass units:

Compound/element mass in amu
Ar (argon) 39.948
C 12.0107
=CH 13.01864
-CH2- 14.02658
-CH3 15.03452
Xe 131.293
CO2 (carbon dioxide) 44.0095
H 1.00794
H2O (water) 18.02
N2 (nitrogen) 28.01

Note that sometimes the atomic mass unit is also known as the Dalton (Da), especially when dealing with macromolecules such as proteins.

References[edit]

  1. IUPAC Periodic Table