What is Atomic Mass Unit

Question: What is the atomic mass unit (AMU)?

1. A unit of mass equal to 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom
2. A unit of mass equal to the mass of a proton
3. A unit of mass equal to the mass of a neutron
4. A unit of mass equal to the mass of an electron

Answer: (A)

What is an Atomic Mass Unit Solution:

It also known as the Dalton, is a unit of mass equal to 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom. The carbon-12 atom is the most abundant isotope of carbon, and it is used as the standard for measuring atomic masses. One AMU is equal to 1.660538921 × 10⁻²⁴ grams.

Significance:

• The use of atomic mass units provides a convenient way to compare the relative masses of different atoms and molecules. It simplifies calculations and allows chemists to work with manageable numbers.

The Equation for Cellular Respiration

This chemical reaction represents how glucose (C6H12O6) combines with oxygen (O2​) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2​), water (H2O), and energy. Cellular respiration is a vital process that occurs in the cells of living organisms, enabling them to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which powers various cellular activities. Understanding the equation for cellular respiration is essential for studying metabolism and energy production in biology.