Neutron Discovery

Neutrons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of atoms alongside protons. They were discovered in 1932 by British physicist James Chadwick through experiments where he bombarded elements with alpha particles, causing some particles to penetrate the nucleus without losing energy, indicating a neutral charge. This discovery explained the existence of neutral particles within atoms, helping scientists better understand atomic structure and the behavior of atomic nuclei. Neutron discovery was a pivotal step in nuclear physics, leading to advancements like nuclear energy and understanding radioactive processes.