Question

How many of the following atomic particles does a neutral magnesium

Answer 1

Answer:

$\boxed{\text{12 p, 12 n, and 12 e}}$

Explanation:

No atoms of Mg have a mass of 24.3050 u. That is the average mass of all the isotopes of Mg.

However, the most common isotope of Mg is ₁₂²⁴Mg (mass = 23.99 u)

The atomic number of Mg is 12. It has 12 protons.

The atomic mass of ²⁴Mg is 24. That's the total number of protons and neutrons.

 p + n = 24

12 + n = 24

       n = 12

An atom of ²⁴Mg has 12 neutrons.

If the atom is neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons.

e = p = 12

$\text{An atom of } ^{24} \text{Mg contains }\boxed{\textbf{12 p, 12 n, and 12 e}}$