Which of the following is closest to the atomic mass of nitrogen?

• A. 16.00 u
• B. 12.01 u
• C. 14.01 u
• D. 1.01 u

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average of the masses of its naturally occurring isotopes, measured in atomic mass units (u).
2. Recall that nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, meaning it has 7 protons, and its most common isotope has 7 neutrons, giving a mass number around 14.
3. Recognize that the atomic mass is not simply the sum of protons and neutrons but a weighted average that accounts for isotope abundance.
4. Compare the given options to the known approximate atomic mass of nitrogen, which is close to 14 u due to its isotopes (mainly nitrogen-14 and a small amount of nitrogen-15).
5. Identify that among the options, 14.01 u is the closest to the actual atomic mass of nitrogen, reflecting the weighted average of its isotopes.