Is AMU the unit for both 'atomic mass' and 'molecular mass'?

In summary, AMU (atomic mass unit) is a term used to represent the mass of an individual atom. It is equivalent to atomic mass and can be used to measure both atomic and molecular mass. However, it is not an official SI unit and is defined as 1/12th of the mass of a carbon-12 atom. This value is approximately equal to the mass of a proton or neutron and is equal to 1.66 x 10^-27 kilograms.
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HCverma
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Is 'AMU' the unit for both 'atomic mass' and 'molecular mass'?
 
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HCverma said:
Is 'AMU' the unit for both 'atomic mass' and 'molecular mass'?
Well, an atomic mass unit is a unit of mass, so you can use it to represent anything. You could even say "My car weighs <insert large number here> atomic mass units".

It was designed for atoms though, e.g. hydrogen has a mass of ~1 u, carbon has a mass of ~12 u, etc. If you combine those, you could use it for molecular mass too.
 
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enter said:
"My car weighs <insert large number here> atomic mass units".

7.6×1027
 
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Related to Is AMU the unit for both 'atomic mass' and 'molecular mass'?

1. What does AMU stand for?

AMU stands for atomic mass unit.

2. Is AMU the same as atomic mass?

Yes, AMU is another term for atomic mass. It is commonly used in chemistry and physics to represent the mass of an individual atom.

3. Can AMU be used to measure molecular mass as well?

Yes, AMU can be used to measure both atomic and molecular mass. However, it is more commonly used for atomic mass as molecular mass can vary depending on the isotopes present in a molecule.

4. Is AMU a SI unit?

No, AMU is not an official SI unit. It is a commonly used unit in chemistry and physics, but it is not part of the International System of Units.

5. How is AMU defined?

AMU is defined as 1/12th of the mass of a carbon-12 atom. This value is approximately equal to the mass of a proton or neutron. It is also equal to 1.66 x 10^-27 kilograms.

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