Difference between revisions of "Neutron"
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[[Image:310px-Beta Negative Decay svg.png|right|thumb|300px|The [[Feynmann diagram]] of the neutron beta decay process]] | [[Image:310px-Beta Negative Decay svg.png|right|thumb|300px|The [[Feynmann diagram]] of the neutron beta decay process]] | ||
| − | A '''neutron''' is the neutral particle in an [[atom]]'s [[nucleus]]. It is a [[baryon]], comprised of two down [[quark]]s and an up [[quark]] It keeps the positive protons in the nucleus from being pushed apart from each other by their like charges. A lack or excess of neutrons causes an atom to become unstable; [[beta decay|beta radiation]] is the conversion of a neutron into a [[proton]] which emits an [[electron]] and an [[anti-neutrino]]. | + | A '''neutron''' is the neutral particle in an [[atom]]'s [[nucleus]]. It is a [[baryon]], comprised of two down [[quark]]s and an up [[quark]] It keeps the positive protons in the nucleus from being pushed apart from each other by their like charges. A lack or excess of neutrons causes an atom to become unstable; [[beta decay|beta radiation]] is the conversion of a neutron into a [[proton]] which emits an [[electron]] and an [[anti-electron neutrino]]. |
See [[nucleon]]. | See [[nucleon]]. | ||
Revision as of 20:37, July 11, 2009
The Feynmann diagram of the neutron beta decay process
A neutron is the neutral particle in an atom's nucleus. It is a baryon, comprised of two down quarks and an up quark It keeps the positive protons in the nucleus from being pushed apart from each other by their like charges. A lack or excess of neutrons causes an atom to become unstable; beta radiation is the conversion of a neutron into a proton which emits an electron and an anti-electron neutrino.
See nucleon.