Characteristics of a Neutron
The two important characterTistics of a neutron are its mass and charge.These are described below.
1.Mass of a Neutron.The mass of a neutron is equal to the mass of a proton. In other words,the relative mass of a neutron is 1 u.The absolute mass of a neutron is gram.
2.Charge of a Neutron.Neutron has no charge. It is electrically neutral.
We are now in a position to explain why the atomic mass of carbon is 12 u.It is now known that a carbon atom contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons, each having a mass of 1 u. Now,
Atomic mass
of carbon = Mass of
6 protons + Mass of
6 neutrons
= 6 x 1 + 6 x 1
= 12 u
Thus,the atomic mass is given by the sum of the masses of protons and neutrons present in the nucleus of an atom.The mass of electrons present in an atom is very, very small, so it is ignored.
We will now compare a proton, a neutron and an electron in respect of their relative masses and charges.
Notes
Structure of the Atom - Notes
1. Drawback of Rutherford’s Model of the Atom
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2. Rutherford’s Experiment - Discovery of Nucleus
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3. For the symbols H, D and T,tabulate three sub-atomic particles found in each of them.
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5. Structure of The Atom - Study Points
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10. Arrangement Of Electrons In The Atoms
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12. Limitations of Rutherford's model of the atom
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16. All about Names of the Chemical Elements
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17. How to learn naming Chemical Formulae?
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21. Comparison between Proton, Neutron and Electron
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22. Electronic Configurations of First 20 Elements
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26. Rules for writing of distribution of electrons in various shells for the first 18 elements
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36. The Physical Properties of the Isotopes of an Element are Different
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39. All the Isotopes of an Element Have Identical Chemical Properties
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42. Relationship Between Mass Number and Atomic Number
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44. Valaence Electrons (Or Valancy Electrons)
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45. Electronic Configurations of Noble Gases (or Inert Gases)
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48. Reason for the Fractional Atomic Masses of Elements
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49. Applications of Radioactive Isotopes
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