Atomic Mass Unit: Converting to kgs

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting atomic mass units (amu) to kilograms (kg), focusing on the correct value and its derivation. Participants reference the atomic mass unit's definition and its relationship to the mass of carbon-12.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conversion factor between amu and kg, with some questioning the accuracy of provided values. There are references to the definition of amu in relation to carbon-12 and attempts to derive the conversion through reasoning about moles and atomic mass.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the conversion factor, with some participants asserting the correctness of specific values while others express uncertainty about the implications of significant figures and the use of approximation signs. Multiple interpretations of the conversion process are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of including uncertainty in physical constants and the challenges of expressing mathematical notation in forum posts. There is a mention of the original poster's edits and the implications of using different symbols for approximation.

kat_r
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how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?
 
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kat_r said:
how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?

Atomic Mass Unit - Kilogram
(Ref: NIST)

{1 amu ≅ 1.66053886 x 10(-27) kg}
{Standard Uncertainty: 0.00000028 x 10(-27) kg}
{Relative Standard Uncertainty: 1.7 x 10(-7)}


(Corrected Thanks To Curious3141, et. al.)
~~
 
Last edited:
I'm afraid that isn't correct, xanthym.

1 atomic mass unit = 1.660538 × 10^(-27) kilograms

Just google for "amu in kg". I love Google's calculator.

It should be the same order of magnitude as a proton's mass. What you quoted is electron mass.
 
Curious 3141 is right; that first post is wrong. He gave the mass of an electron. Curious 3141's value should be right (I remember it being 1.66 x 10^-27 kg = 1 amu)

If you wanted to derive it, you could remember that 1 amu is defined as 1/12 the mass of a carbon 12 atom, which, by definition of the mole, I believe, has a molar mass of 12 g/mol. So if you have 6.022 x 10^23 atoms (1 mole of atoms) of Carbon-12, you'll have (6.022 x 10^23 atoms)(12 amu/atom) = (12 g)(1 kg/1000 g)

Which comes out to: 7.2264 x 10^24 amu = 0.012 kg

Divide both sides by 7.2264 x 10^24, and you get:

1 amu = 1.661 x 10^-27 kg <--- with significant figures.

I'm pretty sure the reasoning behind that method of derivation is sound. In any case, it gets you the right result. The only reason I wonder about it is because, I know that carbon-12 is defined as having exactly 12 amu, and I'm pretty sure that one mole of atoms is defined as the number of atoms required to achieve a mass, in grams, whose numerical value is equal to the numerical value of amu (so a mole of carobon-12, which is 12 amu exactly, will have a mass of 12 grams exactly).

Anyway. Yeah. Curious is right.
 
Last edited:
It's interesting that he edited the message 9 minutes later...

When u give physical constants with nonexact values,don't use the "=" sign,unless you give the uncertainty in that value...Use the approximately equal sign.

[tex]1\mbox{amu}\simeq 1.66\cdot 10^{-27}\mbox{Kg} [/itex]<br /> <br /> Daniel.[/tex]
 
kat_r said:
how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?
(Original Msg Corrected Thanks To Curious3141, et. al.):

Atomic Mass Unit - Kilogram
(Ref: NIST)

{1 amu ≅ 1.66053886 x 10(-27) kg}
{Standard Uncertainty: 0.00000028 x 10(-27) kg}
{Relative Standard Uncertainty: 1.7 x 10(-7)}


~~
 
I said it had significant figures, thus implying it was not exact.

I don't exactly have one of those squiggly approximately equal-to signs on my keyboard, and I don't know how to make the images you seem to be able to use on the forum here, since I'm new.

And if you're typing, you should spell out your words like "you" instead of writing "u," but I knew what you meant. Nonetheless, your comment has been noted.
 
Last edited:
Night Owl said:
Curious 3141 is right; that first post is wrong. He gave the mass of an electron. Curious 3141's value should be right (I remember it being 1.66 x 10^-27 kg = 1 amu)

If you wanted to derive it, you could remember that 1 amu is defined as 1/12 the mass of a carbon 12 atom, which, by definition of the mole, I believe, has a molar mass of 12 g/mol. So if you have 6.022 x 10^23 atoms (1 mole of atoms) of Carbon-12, you'll have (6.022 x 10^23 atoms)(12 amu/atom) = (12 g)(1 kg/1000 g)

Which comes out to: 7.2264 x 10^24 amu = 0.012 kg

Divide both sides by 7.2264 x 10^24, and you get:

1 amu = 1.661 x 10^-27 kg <--- with significant figures.

I'm pretty sure the reasoning behind that method of derivation is sound. In any case, it gets you the right result. The only reason I wonder about it is because, I know that carbon-12 is defined as having exactly 12 amu, and I'm pretty sure that one mole of atoms is defined as the number of atoms required to achieve a mass, in grams, whose numerical value is equal to the numerical value of amu (so a mole of carobon-12, which is 12 amu exactly, will have a mass of 12 grams exactly).

Anyway. Yeah. Curious is right.


Seems familiar to u,alias you...? :rolleyes: Oh,"~" is a good sign to use,unless u know how to edit in LaTex...

Daniel.
 

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