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All atoms are comprised of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, or core, with electrons orbiting on the outside. The composition of these three particles will determine the properties of the element.
The atomic mass is the total mass of protons, neutrons and electrons; however, electrons have negligible mass, and protons and neutrons are about equal in mass. Atoms with more protons and neutrons will have a higher mass.
The atomic mass has its own measurement called the atomic mass unit. One atomic mass unit is equal to hydrogen, the first atom on the table of elements, with a single proton and no neutron.
The number of protons in an element is fixed, but the number of neutrons can vary in what is called an isotope. If an element has fewer neutrons, then it will have a smaller mass, and the opposite is also true.
An atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12, and for nitrogen, it's14. However, if carbon gains two neutrons, then its atomic mass is also 14.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research: Atomic Mass
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