Which of the following values is closest to the mass of a single carbon-12 atom?

• A. 1.99 × 10^{-23} g
• B. 9.11 × 10^{-28} g
• C. 1.66 × 10^{-24} g
• D. 6.02 × 10^{23} g

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the atomic mass unit (amu) is defined such that one carbon-12 atom has a mass of exactly 12 amu.
2. Understand that 1 amu is approximately equal to \$1.66 \times 10^{-24}$ grams.
3. Since a carbon-12 atom has a mass of 12 amu, multiply 12 by the mass of 1 amu to find the mass of a carbon-12 atom in grams: \$12 \times 1.66 \times 10^{-24}$ g.
4. Recognize that the problem asks for the mass of a single carbon-12 atom, so the value closest to \$1.66 \times 10^{-24}$ g corresponds to the mass of one amu, which is the fundamental unit for atomic masses.
5. Compare the given options to the known value of 1 amu in grams to identify which is closest to the mass of a single carbon-12 atom.