How many protons are in magnesium?

There are 12 protons in the element magnesium. Its atomic number is twelve, which means that there are 12 protons and 12 electrons in the element.

Magnesium also has an atomic weight of 24 atomic mass units and has 12 neutrons. It is a gray, alkaline Earth metal that is the fourth most common element on Earth. The element comprises much of the Earth’s mantle and is found in abundance in the oceans. As the eleventh most abundant element in the body, magnesium is also very prevalent in humans. It is utilized for many biological processes and is essential to all living cells.