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Chapter 3: Problem 2

What are neutrons?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Neutrons are uncharged particles located in the atom's nucleus, alongside the positively charged protons. They contribute significantly to the atom's mass and the variation in their number leads to the formation of different isotopes of the same element.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Neutrons

Neutrons are one of the three main particles that make up the atom - the others being protons and electrons. They are located in the nucleus (center) of the atom.
02

Description of Neutron Properties

Neutrons are unique because they carry no electric charge - unlike protons (which carry positive charges) and electrons (which carry negative charges). This lack of charge means they interact minimally with their surroundings, and can penetrate deeply into matter.
03

Role of Neutrons in an Atom

Neutrons play a critical role in an atom because, along with protons, they make up most of an atom's mass. Also, the number of neutrons in an atom can vary, which leads to the formation of different isotopes of the same element (atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons).

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