Mass of an Atom

The modern system of atomic masses,

12
instituted in 1961, is based on C (carbon
twelve) as the standard. (p113, 3)
12

In this system, C is assigned a mass of

exactly 12 atomic mass units (amu), and the
masses of all other atoms are given relative to
this standard. (Relative atomic masses.)

Mass SpectrometerMS,
Comparing the masses of atoms. (p113, r2)

Mass Spectrometer
p113, Figure 3.1

12

13

Masses of C and C
mass of 13 C
1.0836129
12
mass of C
mass of 13 C 1.0836129 12 amu
13.003355 amu (p114, 2)

Atomic Mass

Look at the value of the atomic mass of

carbon, you might expect to see 12. However,
the number given for carbon is not 12 but
12.01. Why? (p114, 5)

(Average) Atomic Mass

Isotope

Mass
(amu)

Individual
Abundance
mass

12

12

0.9889

11.867

13

13.0034

0.0111

0.144

14

14.0032

trace

C
C
C

Total (Average atomic mass)

12.011

Atomic Mass (Weight)

C = 12.01 amu.
No atom of carbon actually has the mass
12.01.
For stoichiometric purposes, we can consider
carbon to be composed of only one type of
atom with a mass of 12.01. (p114, r5)

Relative Intensities in MS for Neon

p115, Figure 3.2

90.92%

0.257%
8.82%