Chemistry

Chemistry

Problem

In comparing the mass spectrum of a laboratory-prepared carbon sample with that of naturally occurring carbon, a chemist observes that the relative intensity of the peak at m/z = 13 is substantially larger in the laboratory sample, while the peak at m/z = 12 is correspondingly smaller. Which statement best describes the isotopic composition of the laboratory sample? a) The sample is depleted in 13C^{13}\text{C} relative to natural carbon. b) The sample contains an additional isotope of carbon that is not found in nature. c) The sample is enriched in 13C^{13}\text{C} relative to natural carbon. d) The sample’s ions are doubly charged, which alters the observed peak intensities.

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