A Level Physics Practice Exam

What is the charge of a neutron?

1. Positive

2. Negative

3. Uncharged

4. Neutral

The correct answer is: Uncharged

The charge of a neutron is uncharged, which means it has no electrical charge at all. Neutrons are one of the three primary subatomic particles found in atoms, alongside protons and electrons. While protons carry a positive charge and electrons carry a negative charge, neutrons remain neutral. This neutral charge is crucial in maintaining the stability of atomic nuclei, as it helps to balance the repulsive forces between positively charged protons. It's important to understand that neutrons play a significant role in the atomic structure. Their presence contributes to the mass of an atom, but they do not influence the overall charge. Because of this uncharged characteristic, they do not interact electromagnetically in the same way that charged particles do. This neutrality allows them to participate in nuclear forces, which can bind protons and neutrons together within the nucleus despite the repulsive forces between the positively charged protons. Recognizing the unique role that neutrons play in atomic structure reinforces the understanding of basic atomic physics and the formation of matter.