Reply To: Does neutrons really have no charge at all?

Curiosity Science Physics Does neutrons really have no charge at all? Reply To: Does neutrons really have no charge at all?

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Yes, all atoms are supposed to have protons and neutrons together in their nucleus, except for hydrogen. After the big bang, the universe was filled with only the primordial nucleons consisting of protons and neutrons. Lucky for protons, the free neutrons were unstable as they decayed into protons mostly. So all that was left to form into a nucleus was the proton itself on its own. When electrons and protons mutually attracted each other, they formed the hydrogen atom. So it simply is that the hydrogen atom (protium) didn’t need a neutron. But when they fused to form helium and other heavier elements, things got interesting as the neutrons served the purpose of holding multiple protons by overcoming the mutual repulsion of the protons with the combined strong nuclear force of neutrons themselves. If you are still wondering, there are hydrogen isotopes with neutrons in it too. Deuterium and Tritium. Worth exploring, if this is your first time getting to know these stuff.