Question

Write three properties of Neutron.

Answer 1

Hint:Atoms are made up of subatomic particles out of which e, p and n are present in every atom (except H-atom) so they are called as a fundamental or elementary particle.

Complete step by step solution:
The three important properties of the neutron are-
1. Neutrons are neutral particles present in an atom’s nucleus which carries unit mass. Mass of the neutron is approximately $1.67 \times 1{0^{ - 27}}kg$.
2. Neutrons decay to produce mesons which are important for nuclear stability. The force present to hold protons is due to the exchange process and for this neutrons are responsible.
3. Neutrons have a magnetic moment and therefore can be used to study the microscopic magnetic structure and magnetic fluctuations, which determine macroscopic parameters of matter.

Additional information: Neutron is a basic particle of an atom. Neutrons and protons are collectively called nucleons or hardons. The neutron consists of three quarks and it has a magnetic dipole moment.

The ratio of $\dfrac{n}{p}$ determines the stability of the nucleus. If the ratio becomes higher than 1 the nucleus becomes unstable and the atom shows radioactive properties. The neutron can be treated as a proton that has lost its electrical charge. It is also a very small particle whose radius is equivalent to one-millionth of a billionth of a meter, composed of even smaller particles known as quarks. In its free state, the neutron is highly unstable but once inside the nucleus it regains stability. Its lack of electrical charge allows it to be captured easily by nuclei and occasionally, can cause nuclear reactions.

Note:Note: Neutrons are subatomic particles which are discovered by J. Chadwick by following experiment:
\[_4^9Be + _2^4He \to _6^{12}C + _0^1N\] neutron.