Answer : The number of neutrons present in the nucleus are, 12 neutrons.
Explanation :
Atomic number is defined as the number of protons or number of electrons.
Atomic number = number of protons = number of electrons
Mass number is defined as the sum of number of protons and number of neutrons.
Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons
As we are given :
Atomic number = 12
Mass number = 24
For neutral atom, the number of protons will be:
Atomic number = Number of protons = Number of electrons = 12
Now we have to determine the number of neutrons for magnesium element.
Number of neutrons = Mass number - Number of protons
Number of neutrons = 24 - 12
Number of neutrons = 12
Therefore, the number of neutrons present in the nucleus are, 12 neutrons.
