What does atomic mass refer to in the context of an atom?

Atomic mass refers specifically to the total mass of an atom, which is primarily the sum of the masses of its protons and neutrons—collectively known as nucleons. This is because protons and neutrons are located in the nucleus of the atom and contribute the majority of the atom's mass. While electrons orbit the nucleus and have mass, their contribution is negligible compared to that of protons and neutrons.

Additionally, atomic mass is often represented in atomic mass units (amu), where one amu is defined as one twelfth of the mass of an unbound neutral atom of carbon-12. This measure reflects the combined masses of protons and neutrons, rather than focusing solely on protons or electrons, ensuring that atomic mass gives a more accurate representation of the atom's overall weight and stability.