Neutron

Neutron is a subatomic particle, symbol n or n0, which has a neutral (not positive or negative) charge and is found in the nucleus of an atom. It is slightly heavier than a proton, which is also located in the nucleus of the atom. The neutron and the proton are collectively referred to as nucleons.

Discovery

The neutron was discovered in 1932 by the British physicist James Chadwick. Chadwick was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for his discovery.

Properties

Neutrons have a mass of 1.00866491588 atomic mass units (amu). They have no electric charge, and they are stable within the nucleus of an atom. However, free neutrons outside of an atomic nucleus are unstable and will undergo beta decay to become protons after an average of about 15 minutes.

Role in the Atom

Neutrons play a crucial role in the atom. They contribute to the mass of the atom and help to stabilize the positively charged protons in the atomic nucleus. The number of neutrons in an atom determines the isotope of the element.

Neutron Stars

When a massive star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it may undergo a supernova explosion. The core of the star can collapse under gravity to form a neutron star, which is composed almost entirely of neutrons.

See Also

• Proton
• Electron
• Atomic nucleus
• Isotope
• Neutron star
• James Chadwick
• Beta decay

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