Question

What element has 12 protons and 10 neutrons?

Answer 1

1. Magnesium in its neutral form has 12 protons and 12 neutrons.
2. The mass of any element is given by the sum of its protons and neutrons.
3. The mass number of this element is given by $\mathrm{N}+\mathrm{P}=12+12=24$.
4. And the mass number of magnesium is 24.
5. But here, there are 2 fewer neutrons which change the mass number to 22.
6. This change in mass number shows that this element is not in its neutral form and there exists a charge.
7. The net charge in the atom is +2.
8. This charge tells us about the loss or gain of electrons.
9. The positive charge indicates that the electrons are lost.
10. This electronic configuration represents the Magnesium ion (${\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}$).