NEUTRON Meaning and
Definition
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A neutron is a subatomic particle that can be found in the nucleus of an atom. It carries no electric charge, making it electrically neutral. Neutrons are composed of three quarks - two down quarks and one up quark - held together by the strong nuclear force. The neutron has a mass slightly greater than that of a proton, which also resides in the nucleus, and its mass is approximately equal to 1.675 × 10^-27 kilograms.
The presence of neutrons in an atomic nucleus is one of the main factors determining an element's stability and properties. The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element. The isotopes may have different atomic masses due to the different number of neutrons, but their chemical properties remain largely unchanged.
Neutrons play a crucial role in nuclear reactions and processes. In nuclear fission, for instance, neutrons can be absorbed by other atomic nuclei, causing them to split and release more neutrons, starting a chain reaction. This process is the basis of nuclear power and atomic bombs.
Additionally, neutrons are instrumental in various scientific and medical applications. Their unique properties make them ideal for use in neutron scattering techniques, which allow researchers to study the arrangement and behavior of atoms in materials. Neutrons are also used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, where they can damage cancer cells while avoiding damage to healthy tissue.
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Etymology of NEUTRON
The word "neutron" was coined by the British physicist and mathematician Sir James Chadwick in 1932. The etymology of the word itself can be traced back to the Latin word "neutro" which means "neutral" or "neither". Chadwick chose this name because neutrons have zero electrical charge, distinguishing them from protons and electrons which have positive and negative charges, respectively. The "on" ending in "neutron" is a common suffix used in physics to denote a subatomic particle (e.g. proton, electron).
Similar spelling words for NEUTRON
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