Convert Atomic Mass Unit (u) to Muon Mass (mᵤ) instantly.
About these units
Atomic Mass Unit (u)
The atomic mass unit (u) is defined as exactly 1/12 the mass of a neutral carbon-12 atom, which makes it approximately 1.66053906660 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms. This definition allows scientists to express atomic and molecular masses in a convenient, intuitive scale that aligns with the structure of the periodic table. By anchoring the unit to carbon-12, chemists and physicists gained a universal reference point that harmonizes molecular weight, relative isotopic abundance, and mass spectroscopy results. The atomic mass unit effectively normalizes the complexity of atomic masses into whole-number or near-whole-number values for most nuclei. In chemistry, u is indispensable for calculating molar masses, reaction stoichiometry, and isotopic compositions. It is also used across nuclear physics, astrophysics, and biophysics, demonstrating the universality of atomic-scale measurement.
Muon Mass (mᵤ)
The muon is a heavier cousin of the electron, with a mass of about 1.8835316 × 10⁻²⁸ kilograms, roughly 207 times more massive than the electron. Because the muon behaves like an electron but with much greater mass, it offers unique opportunities for probing fundamental physics. Muonic atoms—where a muon replaces an electron—allow extremely precise measurements of nuclear size due to the muon's tighter orbit. Muons are also produced naturally in Earth's atmosphere from cosmic rays and are widely studied in particle accelerators. Research into muon behavior has led to major discoveries, and the muon mass continues to attract interest in tests of physics beyond the Standard Model.