Chapter 4, Problem 63A

Standard Units Define the atomic mass unit. What were the benefits of developing the atomic mass unit as a standard unit of mass?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The atomic mass unit and the benefits of developing the atomic mass as a standard unit of mass should be predicted.

Concept introduction:

The mass of one atom of an element is known as atomic mass.

Explanation of Solution

The 1/12 mass of a carbon -12 atom is known as atomic mass unit. Carbon-12 atom contains six protons and six neutrons in its nucleus. The atomic unit is represented as amu.

1 amu = Average of the rest mass of proton and the rest mass of neutron

1 amu = 1.67377 × 10 -27 kilogram

or 1.67377 × 10 -24 gram.

The benefits of developing the atomic mass unit as a standard unit of mass is that it makes the things easier for the comparison of small masses which were expressed in terms of scientific notation.