It has twice as many protons as electrons. It has twice as many neutrons as protons. It has equal numbers of neutrons and protons. It has equal numbers of nuclear particles and electrons.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: An atom has a mass of 24 and a nuclear charge of 12. Which statement about the atom is accurate?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- It has twice as many protons as electrons.
- It has twice as many neutrons as protons.
- It has equal numbers of neutrons and protons.
- It has equal numbers of nuclear particles and electrons.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

It has equal numbers of neutrons and protons.