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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Inquirer on February 21, 2005, 08:37:54 PM

Title: Percent Natural Abundance
Post by: Inquirer on February 21, 2005, 08:37:54 PM

I would greatly appreciate your help pointing me in the right direction. How is percent of natural abundance calculated? Is there by chance a table that lists them? Please refer me to the proper sources of information or if at all possible list an answer.

Title: Re:Percent Natural Abundance
Post by: Mitch on February 21, 2005, 09:09:16 PM

Can you be more specific, the question is kind of broad. And I like giving short answers.

Title: Re:Percent Natural Abundance
Post by: Donaldson Tan on February 21, 2005, 09:19:41 PM

all i know is percent natural abundance is used to determine the average molar mass of an element

Title: Re:Percent Natural Abundance
Post by: jdurg on February 21, 2005, 10:48:49 PM

They take HIGHLY purified samples of the elements and run them through a Mass Spectrometer.  They then can see what isotopes of the element exist in what proportions.  From this data, they calculate the atomic mass you see on the periodic tables.