Chadwick

Definition

James Chadwick was an English physicist who discovered the neutron in 1932. His discovery was crucial for the development of nuclear physics and the atomic model.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. James Chadwick discovered the neutron in 1932, an uncharged particle within the nucleus.
2. The discovery of the neutron provided a more complete understanding of atomic structure, especially isotopes.
3. Chadwick's discovery led to advancements in nuclear reactions and the development of nuclear technologies, including nuclear energy and weapons.
4. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for his discovery of the neutron.
5. Chadwick's work built upon earlier research by Ernest Rutherford and contributed to the formulation of current atomic models.

Review Questions

• What significant particle did James Chadwick discover, and why is it important?
• How did Chadwick's discovery impact our understanding of isotopes?
• In what year did James Chadwick receive the Nobel Prize in Physics, and for what contribution?

Related terms

Neutron: A subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom; it has no electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.

Isotope: Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons but identical chemical properties.

Nuclear Reaction: A process involving changes to an atom’s nucleus that can result in transformation into different elements or isotopes.