Neutron number
Every single thing is made up of tiny, tiny pieces called atoms. An atom has a center part called a nucleus that is made up of even smaller pieces called protons and neutrons. The number of neutrons in the nucleus is called the neutron number.
Think of it like building with legos. The center of the lego piece is like the nucleus of an atom, made up of different pieces. The colored legos on the outside are like the electrons that orbit the nucleus. Neutrons are like other, neutral lego pieces that can be added to the center to make it heavier or lighter.
Having a different number of neutrons in the nucleus can actually make a big difference in how the atom behaves. Some elements have different versions, or isotopes, with different neutron numbers. For example, the most common carbon atom has six protons and six neutrons, but there are other carbon isotopes with more or less neutrons.
Scientists use the neutron number to help describe and understand how different atoms behave and interact with other atoms. So, just like how different lego pieces can make different shapes and structures, different atoms with different neutron numbers can react and behave in different ways too.
Think of it like building with legos. The center of the lego piece is like the nucleus of an atom, made up of different pieces. The colored legos on the outside are like the electrons that orbit the nucleus. Neutrons are like other, neutral lego pieces that can be added to the center to make it heavier or lighter.
Having a different number of neutrons in the nucleus can actually make a big difference in how the atom behaves. Some elements have different versions, or isotopes, with different neutron numbers. For example, the most common carbon atom has six protons and six neutrons, but there are other carbon isotopes with more or less neutrons.
Scientists use the neutron number to help describe and understand how different atoms behave and interact with other atoms. So, just like how different lego pieces can make different shapes and structures, different atoms with different neutron numbers can react and behave in different ways too.