Scientists created a new measurement, the atomic mass unit, which is defined as carbon 12 = 12amu. So why isn't carbon listed as having exactly 12 amu on the periodic table? An installment from the Socratica chemistry playlist answers that question and more. It walks viewers through how to solve for atomic mass units, or Daltons, as well.

Concepts

atomic mass, atomic mass number, carbon, isotopes

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create an additional practice problem figuring atomic mass units

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of scientific notation and how to calculate numbers with it in addition to isotopes
• Assumes all young scientists can reference a periodic table during class

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Provides English closed captioning for visual learners
• Offers links to suggested resources

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4