Neutron

Neutron is an elementary particle that has no electrical charge. Neutrons, along with protons, are contained in the nuclei of atoms of all chemical elements, with the exception of the light isotope of hydrogen H1.

The neutron was discovered in 1932 by the English physicist James Chadwick. A neutron has a mass close to that of a proton and participates in nuclear reactions. The number of neutrons in the nucleus determines the isotope of the element. Neutrons play an important role in maintaining the stability of atomic nuclei. They are also used in nuclear power and to initiate nuclear reactions. Free neutrons are unstable and decay with a half-life of about 15 minutes. The study of the properties and behavior of neutrons has made a great contribution to the development of nuclear physics.