Neutron

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Template:TOC-right A neutron is an elementary particle that normally is part of the nucleus of a chemical element. When not bound to a neutron, it can have important physical, chemical, and biological[1] effects.

History

The existence of the neutron was discovered, in 1932, by Sir James Chadwick, who received the 1935 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work. A repeatable experimental demonstration of the existence of the neutron solved a number of then-outstanding problems in physics, although the applications and significance of neutrons were in their infancy.[2]

Role in the nucleus

Health effects

From the biological standpoint, neutrons are indirectly ionizing. [1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 World Health Organization, Ionizing Radiation
  2. Colwell, Catharine H., Famous Experiments: The Discovery of the Neutron, PhysicsLab