Question

1. estimate the mass of one ¹⁴c atom (in amu) as precisely as you can (from the data in the model). explain your reasoning.

Explanation:

Step1: Definition of atomic mass unit

By definition, one atomic mass unit (amu) is defined as $\frac{1}{12}$ of the mass of a carbon - 12 ($^{12}$C) atom. The mass of a $^{12}$C atom is exactly 12 amu.

Step2: Isotope mass relationship

Isotopes of an element have different numbers of neutrons. Carbon - 14 ($^{14}$C) has 2 more neutrons than carbon - 12 ($^{12}$C). The mass of a neutron and a proton is approximately the same. Since $^{14}$C has a mass number of 14 (2 more than $^{12}$C), the mass of a $^{14}$C atom is approximately 14 amu.

Answer:

14 amu