The atomic mass unit is defined as:
A)the mass of the hydrogen atom containing only one proton.
B)the mass of electrons found in a carbon atom containing six protons and neutrons.
C)1/12 the mass of a carbon atom containing six protons and six neutrons.
D)1/14 the mass of a nitrogen atom containing 7 protons and 7 neutrons.
E)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The atomic mass unit is defined as 1/12 the mass of a carbon atom containing six protons and six neutrons. This is because the mass of a proton or neutron is very close to 1 atomic mass unit and a carbon atom contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons.

The Atomic Mass Unit Is Defined As