QuestionJune 2, 2025

Magnesium has an atomic number of 12. Which of the following statements is true of a neutral magnesium atom? a. It has six protons, six electrons, and six neutrons. b. It has six protons, six electrons, and no neutrons. c. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and 12 neutrons. d. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and six neutrons.

Magnesium has an atomic number of 12. Which of the following statements is true of a neutral magnesium atom? a. It has six protons, six electrons, and six neutrons. b. It has six protons, six electrons, and no neutrons. c. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and 12 neutrons. d. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and six neutrons.
Magnesium has an atomic number of 12. Which of the following statements is true of a neutral magnesium atom?
a. It has six protons, six electrons, and six neutrons.
b. It has six protons, six electrons, and no neutrons.
c. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and 12 neutrons.
d. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and six neutrons.

Solution
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Answer

c. It has 12 protons, 12 electrons, and 12 neutrons. Explanation 1. Determine the number of protons The atomic number is equal to the number of protons. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, so it has 12 protons. 2. Determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, magnesium has 12 electrons. 3. Consider typical neutron count for magnesium The most common isotope of magnesium is ^{24}_{12}\text{Mg}, which has 12 neutrons.

Explanation

1. Determine the number of protons<br /> The atomic number is equal to the number of protons. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, so it has 12 protons.<br />2. Determine the number of electrons in a neutral atom<br /> In a neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons. Therefore, magnesium has 12 electrons.<br />3. Consider typical neutron count for magnesium<br /> The most common isotope of magnesium is $^{24}_{12}\text{Mg}$, which has 12 neutrons.
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