What is a particle inside an atom that does not carry an electrical charge?

1 Answer
anor277
Dec 30, 2016

#"A neutron....................."#

Explanation:

See this old answer.

Since the number of protons determines the identity of the element, the number of neutrons determines the isotope. Most hydrogen nuclei have the 1 proton present in their nucleus to give the #"protium isotope"#, #""^1H#. A few hydrogen nuclei have 1 proton and 1 neutron present in their nucleus to give the #"deuterium isotope"#, #""^2H#. And a smaller few hydrogen nuclei have 1 proton and 2 neutrons present in their nucleus to give the #"tritium isotope"#, #""^3H#. How many electrons does each isotope have?

If I haven't laboured the point enough, ALL of these isotopes are hydrogen nuclei. Why?

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