What is the atomic number of an atom that has 12 protons and 12 neutrons?

Rationale

The atomic number of an atom that has 12 protons is 12.

The atomic number of an element is defined by the number of protons in its nucleus. Therefore, an atom with 12 protons has an atomic number of 12, which corresponds to the element magnesium on the periodic table.

A (1) YOUR ANSWER

The atomic number of 1 corresponds to hydrogen, which has only one proton in its nucleus. Since the question specifies an atom with 12 protons, this choice is incorrect as it does not match the proton count.

B (144) YOUR ANSWER

An atomic number of 144 would indicate an element with 144 protons, which does not exist on the periodic table as of now. The atomic number is always equal to the number of protons, and since the atom in question has only 12 protons, this option is not valid.

C (12) CORRECT

This is the correct answer, as the atomic number is defined by the number of protons in the nucleus. An atom with 12 protons has an atomic number of 12, which identifies it as magnesium in the periodic table.

D (24) YOUR ANSWER

An atomic number of 24 would suggest that the atom has 24 protons, corresponding to the element chromium. Since the atom in question has only 12 protons, this choice is incorrect and does not reflect the properties of the specified atom.

Conclusion

The atomic number is determined solely by the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. In this case, the atom with 12 protons has an atomic number of 12, identifying it as magnesium. All other choices either misrepresent the proton count or reference elements that do not match the provided information. Understanding atomic numbers is fundamental in chemistry, as it directly correlates to an element's identity and position in the periodic table.

What is the atomic number of an atom that has 12 protons and 12 neutrons?

The atomic number of an atom that has 12 protons is 12.

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