GCSE Physics · key term

Relative mass

Definition

The mass of a particle compared with a chosen reference mass; at GCSE, the proton is assigned a relative mass of 1.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.5, 10.1 · Paper 1, Paper 2

For mass, a proton is used as the reference and assigned a relative mass of 1. A neutron has approximately the same mass, so its relative mass is also 1.
Revise: Relative Masses and Charges
A comparison of a particle's mass with the mass assigned to a proton or neutron, each taken as approximately 1.
Revise: Atomic Structure

1
If asked for both relative mass and relative charge, give two separate values for every named particle.
2
Do not confuse a positron with a proton: both have relative charge $+1$ , but their relative masses are very different.
3
Relative mass and relative charge are ratios, so do not attach units to them.

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GCSE Physics · key term

The mass of a particle compared with a chosen reference mass; at GCSE, the proton is assigned a relative mass of 1.

Used by Edexcel

Specification 6.5, 10.1 · Paper 1, Paper 2

For mass, a proton is used as the reference and assigned a relative mass of 1. A neutron has approximately the same mass, so its relative mass is also 1.
Revise: Relative Masses and Charges
A comparison of a particle's mass with the mass assigned to a proton or neutron, each taken as approximately 1.
Revise: Atomic Structure

1
If asked for both relative mass and relative charge, give two separate values for every named particle.
2
Do not confuse a positron with a proton: both have relative charge $+1$ , but their relative masses are very different.
3
Relative mass and relative charge are ratios, so do not attach units to them.

Create a free account to read GCSE Physics revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.