Atomic mass units: Difference between revisions

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(New page: The Atomic Mass Unit is defined as the twelfth part of the mass of a C<math>_{12}</math> atom. Hence, it is approximately equal to the mass of a proton. Elements are asigned masses in thes...)
 
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The Atomic Mass Unit is defined as the twelfth part
The Atomic Mass Unit is defined as the twelfth part
of the mass of a C<math>_{12}</math> atom. Hence,
of the mass of a C<math>_{12}</math> atom.
This is <math>1.66054\times10^{-27} </math> kilograms
in SI units.
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 asigned masses in these units which are
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Here is a list of masses of elements and compounds in amus:
Here is a list of masses of elements and compounds in amus:
 
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Revision as of 11:52, 25 October 2007

The Atomic Mass Unit is defined as the twelfth part of the mass of a C atom. This is kilograms in SI units. Hence, it is approximately equal to the mass of a proton. Elements are asigned 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 nucleum 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 amus:

Compound/element mass in amu
Ar 39.95
Xe 131.29
CO2 44.01
H2O, water 18.02
N2 28.01