Neutrons

Neutrons are subatomic particles, symbol n or n0, which have no net electric charge and a mass slightly larger than that of a proton. With the exception of hydrogen-1, the nucleus of every atom contains neutrons. They bind with protons via the nuclear force, forming atomic nuclei. The number of neutrons defines the isotope of an element.

Discovery

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

Properties

Neutrons are electrically neutral particles that, along with positively charged protons, form atomic nuclei. Neutrons and protons are collectively referred to as nucleons. Although neutrons have no electric charge, they have an intrinsic spin that gives them a magnetic moment.

Neutron Decay

Free neutrons are unstable and have a mean lifetime of 881 seconds (about 14 minutes, 41 seconds). They decay via beta decay to produce a proton, an electron, and an electron antineutrino.

Neutrons in the Universe

Neutrons play a crucial role in many of the physical processes that occur in the universe. They are involved in the nuclear reactions that power stars and in the production of elements in stellar nucleosynthesis.

See Also

• Proton
• Electron
• Atomic nucleus
• Nuclear force
• Isotope
• James Chadwick
• Nobel Prize in Physics
• Beta decay
• Antineutrino
• Stellar nucleosynthesis

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