BACK TO atomic-weight

atomic weight vs. atomic mass

atomic weight

noun
  1. the average weight of an atom of an element, formerly based on the weight of one hydrogen atom taken as a unit or on 1/16 (0.0625) the weight of an oxygen atom, but after 1961 based on 1/12 the weight of the carbon-12 atom. Abbreviation: at. wt.

atomic mass

[ uh-tom-ik mas ]
noun
  1. the mass of an isotope of an element measured in units formerly based on the mass of one hydrogen atom taken as a unit or on 1/16 (0.0625) the mass of one oxygen atom, but after 1961 based on 1/12 (0.0833) the mass of the carbon-12 atom.