Neutron dummy explanation

903 views

I’m trying to simply things in dummy terms so I remember it easier rather than memorizing a definition I want to understand it on a basic level. A Neutron is an uncharged elementary particle that equals a protons mass in a nucleus this stabilizing it, I also know that in an atom there has to be equal amounts of neutrons and protons, and that the neutrons act as a sort of binder, so what sort of analogy or explanation could be used to describe it? Does a Neutron sort of act like the Mortar for a Brick Structure? Or like the glue that keeps protons from falling apart?

In: 59

16 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

There are many good explanations, but let’s really try to do it like ELI5.

Imagine you have red balloons, protons, and blue balloons, neutrons. The red balloons have static charge on them and push away from each other, that is the electromagnetic force. All of the balloons have a string tied to the bottom and they are tied together (strong nuclear force).

If there were only red balloons, the static charge would break the strings and the balloons would fly apart. If you add some blue balloons, the added strength of the additional strings keep them all together. A few more or less blue balloons than red balloons is fine, but in general the strings are happy when you’re in the same ballpark.

You are viewing 1 out of 16 answers, click here to view all answers.