Let u denote the atomic mass unit. One atom of an element of mass number 
has mass exactly equal to 
u
A
For any value of 
B
Only for 
C
Only for 
D
For any value of 
provided the atom is stable
provided the atom is stable
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsThe correct answer is:
C
The key point here is understanding what an atomic mass unit ( 
) really is.
1 u is defined as 
of the mass of a carbon-12 atom.
So, the mass of 1 atom of carbon-12 is exactly 
.
For other atoms, the mass is not exactly equal to the mass number 
in 
, because of mass defect (due to binding energy in the nucleus).
Therefore, only for 
(carbon-12) does 1 atom have a mass exactly equal to A u.
Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems
Order of magnitude of density of uranium nucleus is ( )
Radius of nucleus is 4 fm. The radius of nucleus will be
If an electron and a positron annihilate, then the energy released is
If and are the masses of nucleus, neutron and proton respectively, then
The masses of neutron and proton are 1.0087 amu and 1.0073 amu, respectively. If the neutrons and p…
Assume that protons and neutrons have equal masses. Given that nuclear radius is given by metre an…