Explain, in terms of sub-atomic particles, why the mass number of a magnesium atom is 24.

On the periodic table, Magnesium has the symbol 12Mg24, where 24 is the mass number and 12 is the atomic number. The atomic number is the number of protons found inside an atom, while the mass number tells us how many neutrons and protons are found in an atom. As the atomic number is 12, we can see we have 12 protons. To calculate the number of neutrons, we do 24-12, which gives us 12. Therefore, the mass number is 24 because Magnesium has 12 protons and 12 neutrons. 

Answered by Matthew N. Chemistry tutor

14079 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What happens at the anode during electrolysis?


How can work out the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in this atom of an element?


Butane, C4H10 is burned completely in excess oxygen, write the balanced chemical formula for the reaction, name the products and type of reaction.


Why can sodium chloride conduct electricity in the molten state but no in the solid state?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy