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Which of the following represents 1 amu?

A) 1.66 x 10^-24 g
B) 1.66 x 10^-24 kg
C) Neither a nor b are correct
D) Both a and b are correct

User Paxton
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

One atomic mass unit (amu) is represented by 1.660539 × 10^-24 g, which validates option A as correct. Option B is incorrect as the equivalent weight in kilograms would be 1.660539 × 10^-27 kg.

Step-by-step explanation:

The representation of 1 atomic mass unit (amu) has been asked in the question. The actual value of 1 amu is 1.660539 × 10-24 g or 1.660539 × 10-27 kg. This makes option A correct as it closely represents this value. Since 1 g is equal to 10-3 kg, option B is not correct, because the exponent should be -27 when converted from grams to kilograms to represent 1 amu accurately.

It's important to understand that because atoms and subatomic particles are so small, their masses are measured in these specialized units instead of traditional grams or kilograms. One atomic mass unit is equivalent to precisely one-twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

User Erik Escobedo
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