Neutrons – Discovery, Properties and Applications

What are Neutrons?

Neutrons – Discovery: Neutrons are particles that have no electric charge. They are found in the nucleus of an atom along with protons.

Nuclear Physics and Properties of Atoms

• Nuclear physics is the branch of physics that studies the structure and behavior of the nucleus of atoms. It is the foundation of nuclear engineering and nuclear power.
• The nucleus of an atom made up of protons and neutrons. The number of protons in the nucleus determines the type of atom. For example, the nucleus of a hydrogen atom has one proton, while the nucleus of a uranium atom has 92 protons.
• The number of neutrons in the nucleus can vary. This variation determines the isotope of the atom. Isotopes have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. For example, the isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron is called deuterium.
• The behavior of the nucleus determined by the forces that act between the protons and neutrons. These forces called the strong force and the weak force. The strong force is the strongest force in nature and it binds the protons and neutrons together. The weak force is responsible for radioactive decay.
• The structure of the nucleus can be studied by observing the behavior of the protons and neutrons. Protons and neutrons are both fermions and they obey the Pauli exclusion principle. This principle states that no two fermions can occupy the same state simultaneously.
• This principle explains the structure of the nucleus. The protons and neutrons packed together as closely as possible. This minimizes the

Discovery of Neutrons

In 1932, James Chadwick discovered the neutron, which a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It is neutral, meaning it has no electrical charge, and is about the same size as a proton.

Properties of Neutrons

Neutrons uncharged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a mass of 1 amu and a radius of about 2.5 fm. Neutrons are stable and do not decay.

Charge and Mass of Neutrons

A neutron has a mass of 1.675 x 10-27 kg.