Definition of Neutron

Study Notes

Basic Definition:
- A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
Charge:
- Neutrons are electrically neutral, meaning they carry no net electric charge.
Mass:
- The mass of a neutron is approximately 1.675 x 10^-27 kg, slightly greater than that of a proton.
Role in the Atom:
- Neutrons, along with protons, make up the atomic nucleus.
- They contribute to the atomic mass and play a crucial role in the stability of the nucleus.
Isotopes:
- The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, leading to different isotopes of an element (same number of protons but different number of neutrons).
Neutron Stability:
- Free neutrons (not bound within an atomic nucleus) are unstable and decay into a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino with a half-life of about 14 minutes.
Applications:
- Neutrons are used in various applications, including nuclear reactors, medical treatments, and scientific research (e.g., neutron scattering).
Discovery:
- Neutrons were discovered by James Chadwick in 1932, providing insight into atomic structure and leading to advancements in nuclear physics.

A neutron is a subatomic particle located in the atomic nucleus.
Neutrons possess no electric charge, rendering them electrically neutral.
The mass of a neutron is about 1.675 x 10^-27 kg, which is slightly more than that of a proton.
Together with protons, neutrons form the atomic nucleus, influencing the atomic mass and nuclear stability.
Variations in neutron count result in different isotopes of an element, characterized by identical proton numbers but differing neutron numbers.
Free neutrons are unstable, with a half-life of approximately 14 minutes before decaying into a proton, electron, and antineutrino.
Neutrons have critical applications across various fields, including nuclear reactors, medical therapies, and scientific research techniques like neutron scattering.
The neutron was discovered by physicist James Chadwick in 1932, a breakthrough that enhanced understanding of atomic structure and propelled nuclear physics advancements.