If we experimentally redefine the Atomic Mass Unit (amu) by assuming part of the absolute mass of a — Mole Concept and Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Chemistry Question
Question
If we experimentally redefine the Atomic Mass Unit (amu) by assuming $1/24^{\text{th}}$ part of the absolute mass of a Carbon-12 atom instead of the standard $1/12^{\text{th}}$ part as $1\text{ amu}$, how will the numerical value of the atomic mass of elements on the periodic table be affected?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The standard $1\text{ amu}$ is defined as exactly $1/12$ the mass of a C-12 atom. If the new standard $1\text{ amu}_{\text{new}}$ is $1/24$ the mass of a C-12 atom, then $1\text{ amu}_{\text{new}}$ is exactly half the size of the standard $1\text{ amu}$. Because the fundamental measuring unit has become half as large, it will take twice as many of these new units to equal the mass of any given atom. Thus, the numerical value of the relative atomic mass for every element will get doubled.