MadSci Network: Physics |
I understand that the at. mass unit is based on 1/12 the mass of a C-12 atom. C- 12 has 6 p, 6 n, and 6 e. What I can't find information on is how the proton is determined to have a rest mass of 1.0078 u and a neutron of 1.0087 u. Can you explain this? [Below is mass of C-12 atom, using amu. Is this significant to the question?] 1.0078 x 6 p = 6.0468 u 1.0087 x 6 n = 6.522 u 0.00054 x 6 e = 0.0033 Mass of the C-12 atom = 12.10 u Thanks. DF
Re: Exactly how is the 1.0078 u mass of the proton determined?
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Physics.