MCQ Detailed View

Atoms are made up of three main subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each particle has a distinct charge and position in the atom. Protons carry a positive charge (+1) and are located inside the nucleus. Electrons carry a negative charge (-1) and revolve around the nucleus in specific energy levels. Neutrons are found in the nucleus along with protons but are electrically neutral, meaning they do not have a positive or negative charge.

The neutron was discovered by James Chadwick in 1932. It has a mass almost equal to that of a proton. Neutrons play a crucial role in stabilizing the nucleus. Without neutrons, the repulsion between positively charged protons would make the nucleus unstable. Neutrons also determine the isotopic form of an element, as different isotopes of the same element vary in the number of neutrons present.

Alpha particles are made of two protons and two neutrons, giving them an overall positive charge (+2). This makes them non-neutral. Electrons, on the other hand, are negatively charged and lightweight compared to protons and neutrons. Protons are positively charged and define the atomic number of an element.

Among all the given options, the only particle that carries no electrical charge is the neutron. Neutrons do not interact with electric fields or magnetic fields because of their neutral nature. This property makes them highly useful in nuclear reactions, fission processes, and studies of atomic stability.

Understanding the electrical nature of subatomic particles is a fundamental part of physical chemistry. It explains how atoms combine, how they interact under electromagnetic forces, and how nuclear reactions occur. Neutrons, due to their neutrality, are essential for the stability and behavior of all atomic nuclei.