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?
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I will add a simple ELI5 explanation, since pretty much every other point has been addressed.
There are two major forces at play in the atomic nucleus: electric and nuclear. Treat each particle in the nucleus like a person. The protons (+) repel each other from a distance. I think of this as protons blowing against each other, and the closer they are together the stronger the repulsion. However, if protons get close enough they are able to link arms together (this is the attractive nuclear force). With just a bunch of protons and no neutrons, the protons will be able to blow each other away and never link arms, but the neutrons do not blow anything away because they are electrically neutral, so they assist in holding everyone together. The thing about the nuclear force (linking arms) is that you can only do that when you are very close to your neighbors, which is why in general heavier elements are less stable.
By the way, neutrons are not elementary particles, but that’s not important here.
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