Nucleon: meaning, definitions and examples
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nucleon
[ ˈnjuːklɪɒn ]
particle physics
A nucleon is a collective term for the particles found in the atomic nucleus, specifically protons and neutrons. Nucleons are essential components of the nucleus, contributing to its mass and atomic number. They interact via the strong nuclear force, which is one of the four fundamental forces in nature.
Synonyms
neutron, nucleus particle, proton.
Examples of usage
- Protons and neutrons are both types of nucleons.
- The number of nucleons in an atom determines its atomic mass.
- Nucleons are bound together in the nucleus by the strong force.
- In nuclear reactions, nucleons can be emitted or absorbed.
Translations
Translations of the word "nucleon" in other languages:
🇵🇹 nucleão
🇮🇳 न्यूक्लियॉन
🇩🇪 Nukleon
🇮🇩 nukleon
🇺🇦 нуклон
🇵🇱 nukleon
🇯🇵 ニュクレオン
🇫🇷 nucléon
🇪🇸 nucleón
🇹🇷 nükleon
🇰🇷 핵자
🇸🇦 نيوكليونات
🇨🇿 nukleon
🇸🇰 nukleón
🇨🇳 核子
🇸🇮 nukleon
🇮🇸 kjarnaefni
🇰🇿 нуклеон
🇬🇪 ნუკლეონი
🇦🇿 nukleon
🇲🇽 nucleón
Etymology
The term 'nucleon' originates from the Latin word 'nucleus', meaning 'kernel' or 'seed', which reflects its role as a central component of the atom. The concept of nucleons was developed in the early 20th century as scientists like Ernest Rutherford and Niels Bohr advanced our understanding of atomic structure. In the post-World War II era, during the development of quantum mechanics and nuclear physics, the distinction between protons and neutrons became clearer, leading to the unified nomenclature of 'nucleons' to describe these particles as constituents of the atomic nucleus. Over the years, research into nucleons has played a crucial role in the advancement of particle physics, helping scientists uncover the fundamental interactions that govern the behavior of matter at the smallest scales.