noun
- a subatomic particle with no electric charge that is found in the nucleus of an atom
Usage: physics
Examples
- A neutron has approximately the same mass as a proton.
- The nucleus of a hydrogen atom contains one proton but no neutrons.
- Scientists use neutron bombardment to create radioactive isotopes.
- The neutron was discovered by James Chadwick in 1932.
- Nuclear reactors rely on the controlled splitting of atoms by neutrons.
- Free neutrons are unstable and decay into protons and electrons.