discovery of the neutron

The neutron was discovered in 1932 by James Chadwick. Scientists knew that atoms had positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons, but the atom's nucleus also contained a neutral particle. Chadwick's experiments showed evidence of this neutral component, which he named the neutron. The neutron has no electric charge and is slightly heavier than a proton. Its discovery explained how atoms could have more mass than just protons alone, allowing nuclei to be stable. This breakthrough was fundamental to nuclear physics, leading to advancements like nuclear energy and understanding atomic structure.