Which subatomic particle has no electric charge and resides in the nucleus along with protons?

Which subatomic particle has no electric charge and resides in the nucleus along with protons?

• A. Electron
• B. Positron
• C. Neutron
• D. Proton

Answer: (C)

In atoms, the nucleus houses protons and neutrons, while electrons whirl around outside. The clue here is electric charge: a particle with no charge sits in the nucleus along with protons. That neutral piece is the neutron. Neutrons contribute to the atom’s mass and help hold the nucleus together through the strong nuclear force, offsetting the repulsion between positively charged protons. Electrons are negative and outside the nucleus; protons are positive and located in the nucleus; positrons are positively charged antiparticles not part of a normal stable nucleus.

In atoms, the nucleus houses protons and neutrons, while electrons whirl around outside. The clue here is electric charge: a particle with no charge sits in the nucleus along with protons. That neutral piece is the neutron. Neutrons contribute to the atom’s mass and help hold the nucleus together through the strong nuclear force, offsetting the repulsion between positively charged protons. Electrons are negative and outside the nucleus; protons are positive and located in the nucleus; positrons are positively charged antiparticles not part of a normal stable nucleus.