Answer
It is a unit used to measure atomic masses. It's defined so that a single atom of Carbon-12 weighs 12 atomic mass units. We need it because atoms don't weigh as much as kilograms or pounds, so it's a small measure of unit that can easily be used.
Work Step by Step
See It is a unit used to measure atomic masses. It's defined so that a single atom of Carbon-12 weighs 12 atomic mass units. We need it because atoms don't weigh as much as kilograms or pounds, so it's a small measure of unit that can easily be used.