Calculate % Natural Abundance of Carbon-13

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the percent natural abundance of carbon-13 using isotopic masses of carbon isotopes. The user set up two equations: 12x + 13.003y = 12.0107 and x + y = 1, where x and y represent the fractions of carbon-12 and carbon-13, respectively. The user solved for y, obtaining a result of 1.1% for carbon-13, which aligns with expected values. The methodology employed is confirmed as correct for this type of calculation.

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Homework Statement


Carbon has two naturally occurring isotopes with the following isotopic masses: 12 (exactly) and 13.003. Calculate the percent natural abundance of carbon-13.


Homework Equations


I'm not sure if this is right, but here's what I used. I set up a system of two equations, 12x+13.003y=12.0107 (12.0107 being the atomic weight for carbon, obtained from the periodic table) and x+y=1 (because these are the ratios, which will be used to find the percentages).


The Attempt at a Solution


I solved for y, since that's the percentage I'm looking for. I don't think I should need to show my work, since it's pretty basic, but I was wondering if this is the right way to go about solving this problem. My answer came out to 1.1%, or 0.011 for y. Is this correct?
 
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Method looks OK and the result seems to be in a correct ballpark.

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Last edited:
Thanks Borek, I appreciate the prompt response.
 

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