What is the mass (in amu) of a proton generally considered to be?

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The mass of a proton is generally considered to be approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). This value is a standardized measurement used in chemistry and physics to facilitate the comparison of masses of subatomic particles. The atomic mass unit is defined as one twelfth of the mass of a carbon-12 atom, which serves as a reference point for measuring the mass of other atomic and subatomic particles.

Protons and neutrons, which are found in the nucleus of an atom, have masses that are very close to 1 amu each, while electrons are significantly lighter and contribute a negligible amount to the overall mass of an atom. Therefore, stating that the mass of a proton is 1 amu allows for a simplified understanding of atomic structure and the calculations related to atomic mass. This also aligns with the use of amu in dealing with chemical reactions and stoichiometry, as it helps chemists easily relate quantities of elements and compounds by their mass.

In contrast, the values represented by other options do not accurately reflect the mass of a proton based on standard definitions in chemistry.

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