it would obviously have no electrons or protrons
can a neutron exist without protrons and electrons?
would it have any use?
2007-01-07 06:54:37 · 7 answers · asked by dom 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Yes. Neutrons stars are made of nothing but neutrons.
2007-01-07 09:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by Mark G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The simple and trivial answer is NO! However, neutrons are generated easily in many Nuclear reactions. Neutrons are also used in experiments and can survive alone although they are unstable and eventually decay into a Proton, an electron and other common products of Nuclear decay such as nutrinos and posibly gamma rays.
A single neutron can't sensibly be called a substance though and as mentioned above, a combination of neutrons such as that in a nutron star may be argued to be a substance, but that is also a trivial conclusion.
Neutron stars have been observed in space (inferred from the observations of their effect on nearby stars) and are caused by stars with a certain mass that collapse at the end of their fusion lives. All of the atoms present in the core of the star suffer such extreme pressure that the atomic electrons are forced into the atomic nucleus. The result is a mass of neutrons.
Have fun with the ideas of subatomic particles, it is a stimulating subject.
MM
2007-01-07 07:56:09 · answer #2 · answered by MildMellow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how firmly this is based on actual atomic theory, but the author Larry ('Ringworld') Niven quite often incorporated a substance called neutronium into his 'Tales of Known Space'.
It is matter compressed by gravity (usually during the collapse of a large star) to such an extent that the protons and electrons had fused into neutrons, producing an incredibly dense substance which had no particular use but to act as a hook for certain of his stories.
2007-01-07 07:06:17 · answer #3 · answered by tjs282 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As juan said this would be 'neutronium' - the problem is that its a substance but only in a neutron star, if you removed it somehow it wouldnt be under those huge pressures and wouldnt be 'neutronium' anymore.
You might as well say you could make something out of the infinite density of a blackhole and call it singularitinium! Its nonsense.
As for a single neutron, I can't imagine how it would come to be. Look in to particle physics to find out about a single neutron but for a substance - yes - and only in a neutron star.
2007-01-07 07:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Electrons exist on their own---electricity.
Protons exist on their own---H+ ions
Neutrons can be shot at atoms.
Neutrons decompose to a proton and electron in beta decay.
Just grouping them would not make a substance.
More neutrons in a large nucleus seems to make the nucleus more stable.
2007-01-07 07:06:06 · answer #5 · answered by science teacher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can concentrate neutrons in the space, but you will not make a new substance. Simply because without any protons you will have no electrons !!
2007-01-07 07:01:42 · answer #6 · answered by crazyworld 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
That would be the element Neutronium.
According to sci-fi experts neutronium is made up of neutrons with no protons or electrons. It is incredibly dense and indestructable and can only be developed into spaceship hulls by beings of incredibly advanced civilizations.
Basically it falls into the same category as Unobtanium. "The superpowered element you want but can't obtain".
2007-01-07 07:00:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋