Neutron Definition in Chemistry

Composition, Meaning, and Charge

A 3D atom model

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The neutron is the particle in the atomic nucleus with a mass = 1 and charge = 0. Neutrons are found together with protons in the atomic nucleus. The number of neutrons in an atom determines its isotope.

Although a neutron has a net neutral electrical charge, it does consist of charged components which cancel each other out with respect to charge.

Neutron Facts

  • A neutron is a type of hadron. It consists of one up quark and two down quarks.
  • Although the mass of a proton and a neutron are comparable, especially compared with the much lighter electron, a neutron is slightly more massive than a proton. A neutron has a mass of 1.67492729 x 10-27 kg.
  • A neutron is considered a type of fermion because it has a spin = 1/2.
  • Although it's possible to eject neutrons from the nucleus, the free particles don't last long before reacting with other atoms. On average, a neutron survives on its own about 15 minutes.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Neutron Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutron-in-chemistry-604578. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). Neutron Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutron-in-chemistry-604578 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Neutron Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-neutron-in-chemistry-604578 (accessed March 28, 2024).