Question

a neutral atom of the isotope $_{12}^{26}$mg would consist of
26 protons, 12 neutrons, 26 electrons
12 protons, 14 neutrons, 12 electrons
26 protons, 14 neutrons, 14 electrons
12 protons, 26 neutrons, 26 electrons

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the number of protons

The atomic number \(Z = 12\) (from \(^{26}_{12}\text{Mg}\)), so the number of protons \(p=12\).

Step2: Determine the number of electrons

For a neutral atom, the number of electrons \(e\) equals the number of protons. So \(e = 12\).

Step3: Determine the number of neutrons

The mass number \(A=26\) (from \(^{26}_{12}\text{Mg}\)). Using the formula \(n=A - Z\), we have \(n=26 - 12=14\).

Answer:

12 protons, 14 neutrons, 12 electrons