Function of Neutron: Mass, Charge, Gravity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of neutrons within an atom, specifically their function related to mass, charge, and gravitational effects, as well as their contribution to nuclear stability and forces. The scope includes theoretical aspects of nuclear physics and the interactions between nucleons.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that neutrons have a function beyond just contributing mass and a neutral charge, questioning their role in gravity compared to protons.
  • Others argue that neutrons play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the nucleus by contributing to the strong nuclear force, which counteracts the electrostatic repulsion between protons.
  • A participant emphasizes that without neutrons, the universe would lack all atoms except hydrogen, highlighting their importance in atomic structure.
  • There is a question raised about whether neutrons and protons contribute equally to the strong force.
  • A later reply suggests that, very crudely speaking, the strong force between nucleons is a residual effect of the strong interaction and is approximately equal for both protons and neutrons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of neutrons in nuclear stability and the strong nuclear force, but there is some uncertainty regarding the specifics of their contributions and the comparison of their effects with protons.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of detailed definitions of the strong force and gravity in this context, as well as unresolved questions about the exact nature of the contributions from neutrons and protons.

nuby
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It seems strange that a neutron wouldn't have a function within an atom other than obtain mass, a neutral charge, and stick to protons. Do neutrons have more gravity than protons?
 
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The neutron has a very important role in keeping the nucleus together. Neutrons contribute to the strong nuclear force (just like protons) that holds the nucleons (neutrons and protons) together against the electrostatic repulsion of the charge protons.
 
Gokul43201 said:
The neutron has a very important role in keeping the nucleus together. Neutrons contribute to the strong nuclear force (just like protons) that holds the nucleons (neutrons and protons) together against the electrostatic repulsion of the charge protons.

To emphasize this point, without neutrons, the universe would not have any atoms except hydrogen.
 
do neutrons and protons contribute an equal amount of strong force?
 
Very crudely speaking, yes. The force between nucleons is actually a residual effect of the strong interaction, and has about the same strength for protons and neutrons.
 

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