Neutrons are subatomic particles with a neutral charge, meaning they do not have an electric charge. They have a mass slightly larger than that of protons and are essential for the stability of an atom's nucleus.
Role of Neutrons
Neutrons play a crucial role in determining the stability and mass of an atom. They help to bind the protons together in the nucleus through the strong nuclear force, which prevents the repulsion between positively charged protons. This is essential for the stability of the nucleus.
Properties of Neutrons
- Neutrons have a mass of approximately 1.675 x 10^-27 kg.
- They do not have an electric charge, and thus are not affected by electric fields.
- Neutrons are affected by the strong nuclear force and the weak nuclear force.
The number of neutrons in an atom can vary, leading to the existence of different isotopes of an element. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. The variation in the number of neutrons affects the stability and other properties of the isotope.
Explain how Earth's fluid outer core creates the magnetosphere and how this helps protect both humans and technology (such as satellites) from solar winds.