In the atomic nucleus, which particle carries no electric charge?

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Multiple Choice

In the atomic nucleus, which particle carries no electric charge?

Neutrons are electrically neutral. They are made of two down quarks and one up quark, giving a net charge of zero, so they contribute mass in the nucleus without adding any electric charge. Protons carry a positive charge, which is why the nucleus has a net positive charge and defines the element, while electrons (outside the nucleus) have negative charge and positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons. Because of these charge differences, the neutron is the one particle in the nucleus with no electric charge.

Neutrons are electrically neutral. They are made of two down quarks and one up quark, giving a net charge of zero, so they contribute mass in the nucleus without adding any electric charge. Protons carry a positive charge, which is why the nucleus has a net positive charge and defines the element, while electrons (outside the nucleus) have negative charge and positrons are positively charged antiparticles of electrons. Because of these charge differences, the neutron is the one particle in the nucleus with no electric charge.

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