Are Atoms Lopsided in Weight Based on Neutron and Proton Placement?

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SUMMARY

The placement of neutrons and protons within an atom is not fixed; they occupy the nucleus and move relative to each other, similar to how electrons orbit the nucleus. This movement indicates that there is no definite boundary for the nucleus or the atom itself, only probabilistic locations for finding these particles. The discussion highlights that the concept of polarity does not directly determine weight distribution within the atom.

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  • Knowledge of nuclear physics and nucleon interactions
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  • Explore nuclear physics, focusing on nucleon interactions and movement
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mcjosep
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Just curious if we know what the placement of neutrons and protons are within an atom? Is one side heavier, can we determine this from polarity?
 
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The neutrons and protons are near the middle.
 
The placement of neutrons and protons is not fixed within the nucleus. Nucleons move relative to each other inside the nucleus (which is near the middle) much the way electrons orbit the nucleus while remaining inside the atom. There is no definite boundary for either the nucleus or the atom as a whole. There are only locations where you will probably find the particles.
 

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