Neutrons do not directly ionize atoms by knocking electrons off; instead, they can displace protons from atomic nuclei or be absorbed, leading to the formation of unstable isotopes that may undergo beta decay. The misconception that neutrons can ionize atoms stems from their interactions with atomic nuclei rather than with electrons. Understanding these interactions is crucial for grasping nuclear physics concepts.
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k9b4 said:Why and how does a neutron knock electrons off of atoms?
k9b4 said:Why and how does a neutron knock electrons off of atoms?
Is it because a neutron is not exactly neutral? Is a neutron composed of smaller charged particles which interact with the electrons when it gets close?
SorryNugatory said:As with all questions of this sort, you will get better answers if you spend some time searching the web first, see what you find, then come back here with more specific questions based on what you learn there.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/very-little-excuse-to-ask-a-question-cold.765735/
Yes, I looked at the wikipedia article and I see that neutrons cause ionization by causing the nucleus to become unstable.nikkkom said:It does not.
Neutron can knock out _protons_ out of atomic nuclei.
And neutron can be absorbed by a nucleus. In many cases resultant heavier isotope is unstable to beta-decay.