How Do You Calculate The Mass Of A Proton?
Three ways to find proton mass include calculation from theory, from atomic molar mass, and charge/mass comparisons with electrons. Using theory to find what proton mass “should be” is realistic only for experts in the field. Charge/mass and molar mass calculations can be done at undergraduate and secondary-school levels. Derive proton mass from quantum and relativity theories. Protons have internal structure—three particles (quarks) held together by attractive forces (gluons). Naive assumptions would give each quark 1/3 proton mass. About 95 percent to 98 percent of proton mass is not contributed by quark mass. In truth, most proton mass is derived from interaction energy between the quarks. Recall “E = mc^2” in case there’s confusion about the phrase “mass is derived from energy.” Calculate knowing molar hydrogen mass. One mole equals 6.022e23, just as one dozen equals 12 or one pair equals two. We can take it as a given that one mole of hydrogen atoms (not “H2” molecules) weighs 1
