Question

A random sample of carbon contains two isotopes: C-12 and C-13 with masses of 12.00 amu (5.00 %) and 12.99 amu (95.00 %) respectively. Determine the average atomic mass of this carbon sample and explain if your sample was a good representation of earth’s natural isotope abundance of carbon

Answer 1

The average atomic mass of this carbon sample is 12.011 amu. This sample is a good representation of earth’s natural isotope abundance of carbon, as it closely matches the natural abundance of C-12 (98.89%) and C-13 (1.11%) on Earth.