Neutron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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neutron
neu-tron
Definition
subatomic particle
A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It is electrically neutral, meaning it has no charge, and it plays a crucial role in the stability of atomic nuclei. Neutrons, along with protons, make up the atomic mass of an element.
Examples of usage
- Neutrons contribute to the mass of the atom.
- The neutron’s neutral charge helps stabilize the nucleus.
- During nuclear fission, neutrons are released and can initiate further reactions.
Translations
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Quick facts about “neutron”
Neutron is a 2-syllable noun (neu-tron). It is pronounced /ˈnuˌtɹɑn/ in American English and /njˈuːtɹɒn/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #6,347 among the most common English words.
Origin of 'neutron'
The term 'neutron' was first coined from the Latin root 'nutriens', meaning 'nourishing', by the British physicist James Chadwick in 1932. Chadwick discovered the neutron while conducting experiments to determine the composition of the atomic nucleus. His work followed earlier theories about the structure of the atom, particularly those proposed by Ernest Rutherford and Niels Bohr. The discovery of the neutron was pivotal because it explained the presence of isotopes and provided insight into nuclear reactions and stability. The neutron does not carry an electric charge, unlike protons and electrons, which led to its unique role in nuclear physics and chemistry. The study of neutrons has since informed various fields, including nuclear energy, medicine, and material science, making it a fundamental concept in modern physics.