Question

How do you convert atomic mass in kilograms into amu?

Answer 1

To convert atomic mass from kilograms (kg) to atomic mass units (amu), you can use the following steps:

1. Start with the atomic mass in kilograms.

2. Convert the atomic mass from kilograms to grams by multiplying by 1,000 (since there are 1,000 grams in a kilogram). This step is necessary because atomic masses are typically given in grams or atomic mass units, not kilograms.

3. Use Avogadro's number, which is approximately 6.022 × 10^23 particles per mole, to convert the atomic mass from grams to moles. Divide the mass in grams by the molar mass (grams per mole) of the element. The molar mass is numerically equivalent to the atomic mass in atomic mass units. For example, the molar mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 g/mol.

4. Finally, divide the number of moles by Avogadro's number to convert to atomic mass units (amu). Since there are 6.022 × 10^23 particles per mole, dividing the number of moles by Avogadro's number gives you the atomic mass in atomic mass units.

Here's the conversion formula:

Atomic Mass (amu) = (Atomic Mass in kg × 1,000 g/kg) / Molar Mass (g/mol) / Avogadro's Number (6.022 × 10^23 particles/mol)

Please note that the molar mass of an element is numerically equivalent to its atomic mass in atomic mass units, which is why we divide by the molar mass in the formula above.

By following these steps, you can convert the atomic mass from kilograms to atomic mass units (amu).