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

• A. 14.01 u
• B. 16.00 u
• C. 12.01 u
• D. 10.81 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 carbon has several isotopes, but the most abundant are carbon-12 and carbon-13, with carbon-12 being the most common.
3. Recognize that the atomic mass listed on the periodic table for carbon reflects this weighted average, which is slightly above 12 u due to the presence of carbon-13.
4. Compare the given options to the known atomic mass of carbon, which is approximately 12.01 u, reflecting the natural isotopic distribution.
5. Conclude that among the options, 12.01 u is the closest to the actual atomic mass of carbon.