kat_r
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how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?
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.
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.
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 said:how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?
(Original Msg Corrected Thanks To Curious3141, et. al.):kat_r said:how do you convert the atomic mass unit into kgs?
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.