Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 2]PhysicsThe Nucleus
For a neutral carbon atom in its ground state, the mass is
Options
- Amore than 12 u
- Bexactly 12 u
- Cless than 12 u
- Ddependent on the form of carbon, such as graphite or charcoal
Correct answer
B. exactly 12 u
Step-by-step solution
The unified atomic mass unit ( 1 u ) is defined as exactly 1 12 of the mass of an unbound, neutral carbon-12 atom in its nuclear and electronic ground state. Therefore, the mass of a standard neutral carbon atom (carbon-12) in its ground state is exactly 12 u . The mass of an individual atom is an intrinsic property and does not depend on the macroscopic allotropic form (such as graphite, diamond, or charcoal) it may be a part of.