Question

Magnesium's atomic number is 12, and its atomic mass is approximately 24. How many neutrons does magnesium have?(2 points)
Responses

24
24

58
58

12
12

20

Answer 1

To find the number of neutrons in an atom, you can use the formula:

\[ \text{Number of Neutrons} = \text{Atomic Mass} - \text{Atomic Number} \]

For magnesium:
- Atomic mass = 24 (approximately)
- Atomic number = 12

Now, substituting these values into the formula:

\[ \text{Number of Neutrons} = 24 - 12 = 12 \]

So, magnesium has **12 neutrons**.