The atomic mass of ammonia (NH3) is approximately 17.03 atomic mass units (amu). This value is derived from the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements: nitrogen and hydrogen.
In ammonia, there is one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. The atomic mass of nitrogen (N) is about 14.01 amu, while the atomic mass of hydrogen (H) is approximately 1.01 amu. To find the total atomic mass of ammonia, you can calculate it like this:
Atomic mass of NH3 = Atomic mass of N + 3 × Atomic mass of H
Substituting the values, we have:
Atomic mass of NH3 = 14.01 amu + 3 × 1.01 amu
This gives:
Atomic mass of NH3 = 14.01 amu + 3.03 amu = 17.04 amu
For practical purposes, it is often rounded to 17.03 amu. This measurement is crucial in chemistry for understanding reactions, calculating molecular weights, and stoichiometry.