MCQ Detailed View

Atoms are made up of tiny particles called subatomic particles, which include protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each of these particles has an electric charge that affects how they interact with other particles. Among these, only the neutron is electrically neutral.

A neutron has no positive or negative charge; it is completely neutral. Neutrons are located in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons. While protons carry a positive charge and electrons carry a negative charge, neutrons have zero charge. This makes them vital for stabilizing the nucleus of an atom. Without neutrons, the positive charges of the protons would repel each other and cause the nucleus to fall apart.

Let’s look at the other options:

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  An alpha particle is made up of two protons and two neutrons. Since it contains protons, it has an overall positive charge.

  
  


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  Electrons are negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus.

  
  


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  Protons have a positive charge.

  
  


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  “All of these” is incorrect because only the neutron is truly neutral.

  
  

The neutron was discovered in 1932 by James Chadwick. Its discovery completed the basic picture of atomic structure and helped scientists understand nuclear reactions and radioactive decay.

Understanding the charges of subatomic particles is essential in physics. It helps explain atomic bonding, electrical conductivity, and the behavior of matter under various conditions. This knowledge is foundational in both physics and chemistry and plays a role in fields like electronics, nuclear science, and quantum mechanics.

In summary, the neutron is the only truly neutral particle among the options listed, making it the correct answer.