Question

A particle contains 12 protons, 12 neutrons and 10 electrons. What is the identity of the particle?

Answer 1

The particle contains 12 protons, which indicates it is an atom of magnesium (Mg), since the atomic number (number of protons) for magnesium is 12. The particle also contains 12 neutrons, which gives it a mass number of 24 (12 protons + 12 neutrons).

However, since there are 10 electrons, the particle has a net charge of +2 (12 protons - 10 electrons = +2). Therefore, this particle is a magnesium ion with a charge of +2, commonly written as \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \).

In summary, the identity of the particle is a magnesium ion, \( \text{Mg}^{2+} \).