View source for Neutrons

= neutrons – neutral particles in the atomic nucleus =

== what is a neutron? ==
A '''neutron''' is a subatomic particle found in the [[nucleus]] of an [[atom]], alongside [[protons]]. Unlike [[protons]] and [[electrons]], it carries no electric charge (neutral).

== basic properties ==
* symbol: n⁰  
* charge: 0 (neutral)  
* mass: about 1 amu (slightly more than a [[proton]])  
* location: inside the atomic [[nucleus]]

== discovery ==
[[james chadwick]] discovered the neutron in 1932. His experiments showed that radiation emitted from certain elements could not be explained by the presence of only protons and electrons.

== function of neutrons ==
* Add mass to atoms without affecting charge  
* Stabilize the atomic [[nucleus]] by offsetting repulsive forces between positively charged [[protons]]  
* Define different [[isotopes]] of the same element (same number of protons, different number of neutrons)

== example: carbon isotopes ==
* carbon-12: 6 protons, 6 neutrons  
* carbon-14: 6 protons, 8 neutrons

== role in nuclear physics ==
* [[nuclear fission]]: neutrons split atomic nuclei in power plants or weapons  
* [[nuclear fusion]]: neutrons are produced when light atoms combine (as in stars)  
* Neutrons can activate nuclear reactions, making them essential in reactors

== see also ==
* [[protons]]  
* [[electrons]]  
* [[nucleus]]  
* [[atomic mass]]  
* [[isotopes]]  
* [[james chadwick]]

== disclaimer ==
''This article is for [[educational]] and [[academic]] purposes only. It is intended to support school-level learning through MediaWiki platforms.''