Science
What is The neutron?
A neutron is a particle with no electric charge found in the nucleus of almost every atom, alongside protons. Neutrons add mass and help hold the nucleus together; changing their number creates isotopes, and freeing them drives nuclear reactions.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the neutron.
Key things to understand
- 1It's an electrically neutral particle in the nucleus.
- 2It sits alongside positively charged protons.
- 3It adds mass and helps stabilize the nucleus.
- 4Differing neutron counts create isotopes.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a neutron?
- A chargeless particle in an atom's nucleus that adds mass and helps hold the nucleus together.
- What's the difference between a neutron and a proton?
- Protons carry positive charge; neutrons have no charge, though both sit in the nucleus.
- What are isotopes?
- Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.