Why was the mass of an atom initially taken as 1-16 th of the mass of naturally occurring oxygen as the standard unit-

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Why was the mass of an atom initially taken as $\frac{1}{16} t h$ of the mass of naturally occurring oxygen as the standard unit?

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Solution

Initially, $\frac{1}{16} t h$ mass of an atom of oxygen was taken as the atomic mass unit. Oxygen reacted with a large number of elements and formed compounds. This atomic mass unit gave masses of most of the elements as whole numbers.

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Q. Why oxygen was initially considered as a reference for atomic mass?

Why was carbon-12 preferred over oxygen-16 to be chosen as the standard reference for measuring atomic masses? [2 MARKS]

why was c-12 isotope accepted as the standard of measuring the atomic mass of elements inspite of hydrogen and oxygen erlier being the standard? why was no other elements taken for this choice?

Q. Why oxygen was removed from being considered as the standard unit for measuring the atomic mass.? And now why we are using carbon 12 atom?
what is carbo 12 atom?

Question 7

Why was carbon-12 preferred over oxygen-16 to be chosen as the standard reference for measuring atomic masses?

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Why was the mass of an atom initially taken as 116th of the mass of naturally occurring oxygen as the standard unit?

Initially, 116th mass of an atom of oxygen was taken as the atomic mass unit. Oxygen reacted with a large number of elements and formed compounds. This atomic mass unit gave masses of most of the elements as whole numbers.

Why was the mass of an atom initially taken as $\frac{1}{16} t h$ of the mass of naturally occurring oxygen as the standard unit?

Initially, $\frac{1}{16} t h$ mass of an atom of oxygen was taken as the atomic mass unit. Oxygen reacted with a large number of elements and formed compounds. This atomic mass unit gave masses of most of the elements as whole numbers.