Why hydrogen is not used to compare the relative atomic mass

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the reasons why hydrogen is not utilized as a reference for comparing relative atomic mass. Historical context and the implications of binding energy, as outlined in the "History of the atomic mass unit" section on Sizes.com, provide clarity on this topic. The atomic mass unit (amu) has evolved through historical conventions that favor heavier isotopes over hydrogen. Understanding these historical decisions is crucial for grasping the current standards in atomic mass measurement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atomic mass units (amu)
  • Familiarity with isotopes and their significance in chemistry
  • Basic knowledge of binding energy concepts
  • Awareness of historical developments in atomic theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical development of atomic mass units and their standards
  • Explore the concept of binding energy and its impact on atomic mass
  • Investigate the role of isotopes in determining relative atomic mass
  • Study the differences between hydrogen isotopes and their implications in atomic mass comparisons
USEFUL FOR

Chemists, physics students, and educators interested in the historical and theoretical aspects of atomic mass measurement will benefit from this discussion.

Johannah Wu
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Is that because of some historical reasons or E=mc2(i mean something about binding energy)?
 
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See the section "History of the atomic mass unit" on this page:

http://www.sizes.com/units/atomic_mass_unit.htm

(I first went to the Wikipedia page about the atomic mass unit, which doesn't say much about the early history; then followed the "external link" at the end of the article.)
 
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