Do Neutrons Have Different Masses in Different Isotopes?

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SUMMARY

Neutrons do not have different masses across isotopes; all neutrons possess the same mass. The perceived differences in atomic mass arise from the binding energy within atomic nuclei, as described by Einstein's equation E=mc². For instance, the isotopes ^1H^35Cl^16O3^18O and ^1H^37Cl^16O4 exhibit different mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) due to variations in binding energy rather than differences in neutron mass. Understanding binding energy is crucial for grasping these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of atomic structure and isotopes
  • Familiarity with mass spectrometry techniques, particularly FTICR
  • Knowledge of Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle (E=mc²)
  • Concept of binding energy in nuclear physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "binding energy" and its implications in nuclear physics
  • Explore mass spectrometry techniques, focusing on FTICR (Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance)
  • Study the differences between isotopes and their applications in various scientific fields
  • Investigate the role of energy release in nuclear reactions and its effect on atomic mass
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying nuclear physics, mass spectrometry, and atomic structure. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking to understand the relationship between neutron mass, binding energy, and isotopic variations.

Chenghui Yuan
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My physics is not good, please kindly don't judge my physics.
In some molecular weight calculator to get mono-isotope neutral mass for atoms listed below.
In FTICR, we could find these difference. For example,
m/z 101.960035, ^1H^35Cl^16O3^18O
m/z 101.952838, ^1H^37Cl^16O4
Here is my question. Do neutrons have different mass and why or good explanations?
Thanks.

16^O 15.994915
18^O 17.999161
difference 2.004246
35^Cl 34.968853
37^Cl 36.965903
difference 1.99705
 
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Chenghui Yuan said:
Do neutrons have different mass and why or good explanations?
All neutrons have the same mass, as do all protons. However, if you take two or more of these particles and bring them together in an atomic nucleus, some energy will be released and because of Einstein's ##E=mc^2## the mass of the nucleus will be less than the mass of the individual nucleons (neutrons and protons) of which the nucleus is composed.

If you google for "binding energy" you will find a bunch of more detailed explanations and examples.
 
Last edited:
Thanks a lot. This is what I search for.
 

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