Exploring who discovered electron proton and neutron

Atoms and sub-atoms

Atoms are the building blocks of matter. They are composed of three primary subatomic particles: electrons, protons, and neutrons. But have you ever thought about who discovered the electron proton and neutron? The journey of who discovered electron proton and neutron
is a fascinating tale of scientific curiosity. These particles play an important role in the structure of the universe.

Understanding them has prompted groundbreaking advancements in various fields of material and nonmaterial science.

What is Electron?

An electron possesses a negative elementary electric charge. Scientists consider electrons the first generation of lepton particles because they lack known substructures or components.

Who discovered the electron? -J.J. Thomson

In the nineteenth century, mainstream researchers were investigating the nature of matter. A finding by J.J. Thomson would provide some answers to these questions. J.J. Thompson was the scientist who discovered electron. He found the electron, which is a subatomic molecule.

Mainstream researchers credited J.J. Thomson with the discovery of the electron. His experiments showed that particles were not indivisible, contrary to the prevailing belief at that time. Rather, they contained smaller particles. Thomson’s work established the base for modern atomic theory and opened new avenues for further examination of subatomic particles. His discovery acquired him the Nobel Prize in Physical science in 1906.

J.J. Thomson’s work was a defining moment in how we might interpret matter. His discovery of the electron changed the way we look at atoms and prompted new headways in science. So when we inquired, “Who discovered electron?” The answer is J.J. Thomson.

Properties of Electron

Some of the basic properties of electrons can be given as

• The mass of the electron is 9.10938356×10−31kg
• Spin angular momentum of the electron ±h/2π
• Charge of electron -1
• The radius of the electron is approximately 2.82×10−15 m

How Electron was Discovered?- Cathode Ray Tube Experiment

In the 19th century, scientists discovered that a glass tube, evacuated of air and fitted with electrodes, emitted a fluorescent glow when an electric charge passed through it, known as a cathode ray. J.J. Thomson’s experiments with this phenomenon led to the identification of electrons in 1897. 

He observed that the rays, emanating from the cathode, were attracted by a positive charge, suggesting they were negatively charged particles. By subjecting the cathode rays to a magnetic field, Thomson confirmed their deflection, supporting his theory. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized physics, revealing the existence of subatomic particles and fundamentally altering scientific understanding. 

Thomson’s meticulous experiments in evacuated glass tubes, powered by high voltages, unveiled the electron’s nature and behavior, laying the foundation for modern atomic theory.

What is Neutron?

A neutron is a subatomic particle of an atom denoted by n or n0. It is slightly heavier than a proton and has no net electric charge. Chadwick received the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking discovery in 1935. It’s worth noting that every atom, except hydrogen, contains neutrons. Hydrogen atoms consist exclusively of protons and electrons.

Who discovered the neutron? -James Chadwick

The discovery of the neutron by Sir James Chadwick was another milestone in the field of atomic physics. A British physicist is the man behind this groundbreaking discovery. His work filled a basic hole in how we might interpret nuclear design.

In 1932, James Chadwick conducted research that would change the course of science. He bombarded beryllium atoms with alpha particles. When these particles hit the beryllium. Highly penetrating radiation was emitted. Chadwick placed paraffin wax near the beryllium to detect these emissions. He noticed that protons were being ejected from the paraffin wax at high speeds.

The energy and speed of these protons couldn’t be made sense of by any known particles. Chadwick understood that another subatomic molecule was responsible for this peculiarity.

Chadwick’s experiments proved the existence of a new particle, which he named the “neutron.” Unlike protons and electrons, neutrons have no charge. They assume an essential part in the core of a molecule, giving soundness and mass. Chadwick’s discovery was a monumental achievement, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935.

When we ask, “Who discovered neutron?” or “Neutron was discovered by whom?” the answer is Sir James Chadwick. His revolutionary experiment with beryllium and paraffin wax led to the discovery of the neutron. It is a particle that has been fundamental in shaping our understanding of atomic structure. Chadwick’s work has had a lasting impact, paving the way for further research and discoveries in the field of atomic physics.

Properties of Neutrons

Some of the basic properties of Neutron can be given as

• The mass of the electron is 1.6750×10−27kg
• Spin angular momentum of the electron ±ℎ/2𝜋
• Charge of Neutron 0
• The radius of the neutron is approximately 
• 1.11×10−15m

What is Proton?

“The atom’s fundamental particle, represented by the symbols p or p+. It has a mass that is marginally less than a neutron and a positive electric charge of +1e elementary charge.

Protons are particles that have a positive charge. The atomic number (Z) of an atom is equal to the number of protons in its nucleus. A proton is typically represented as p, and its charge is “+1.” In mathematics, it can be expressed as Proton count equals atomic number. For example, there are 36 atoms in one krypton (Kr) atom. Therefore, there are 36 protons in the nucleus of a krypton atom.

Who Discovered Proton? -Ernest Rutherford

The discovery of the proton is a new chapter in the subject of atomic physics. The man behind this discovery is Ernest Rutherford. He was a New Zealand physicist. His work significantly affects how we might interpret the atom.

Ernest Rutherford conducted the famous gold foil experiment in 1909. He fired alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold foil. The expectation was that the particles would pass through the foil with little to no deflection.

However, Rutherford noticed significant deflections of some alpha particles at large angles. This was surprising to him. Therefore, he deduced that the mass and positive charge of the atom were concentrated within a tiny central nucleus.

Based on his gold foil experiment, Rutherford proposed the existence of a positively charged particle in the nucleus of the atom. This article was later named the “proton.” Rutherford’s discovery was groundbreaking and laid the foundation for the modern model of the atom. His work has been instrumental in shaping our current understanding of atomic structure.

When we ask, “Who discovered the proton?” The answer is Ernest Rutherford. His gold foil experiment led to the discovery of the proton.

Properties of Proton

Some of the basic properties of Protons can be given as

• The mass of the electron is 1.6726×10−27kg
• It is around 1826 times the mass of the electron
• Spin angular momentum of the electron ±ℎ/2𝜋
• Charge of Proton +1
• The radius of the proton is approximately 1.11×10−15m

How Proton was Discovered?- Rutherford Gold Foil Experiment

In 1911, Rutherford, alongside Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden, conducted groundbreaking experiments that reshaped the atomic understanding. Their method involved bombarding ultrathin gold foil with swiftly moving alpha particles—positively charged and akin in mass to hydrogen atoms. 

Expecting minimal deflection, adhering to prevailing atomic theory positing uniform mass and charge distribution, they were astonished. Despite most particles passing through, a minute fraction (1 in 8000) ricocheted off, some back toward the source. Rutherford inferred a new atomic model: a mostly empty space with a dense nucleus. 

This nucleus, containing the bulk of mass and positive charge, comprised protons and neutrons. Termed the nuclear model, it revolutionized atomic understanding. Rutherford’s insights elucidated the atom’s central, compact nucleus, fundamentally transforming scientific comprehension.

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Who discovered Electron Proton and Neutro

The below table shows the year of discovery, discoverer, mass, and charge of Electron, Proton, and Neutron:

Subatomic Particle	Discoverer	Year of Discovery	Charge	Mass
Proton	E. Rutherford	1909	+1.6×10−19 C	1.67 ×10−27 kg
Neutron	James Chadwick	1932	0	1.67 ×10−27 kg
Electron	J.J. Thomson	1897	−1.6×10−19 C	9.11 ×10−31 kg

Comparing the Properties of Electrons, Protons, and Neutrons

These subatomic particles contrast in control mass and area inside the molecule, and these distinctions essentially impact their way of behaving and allow us to look at the properties of electrons, protons, and neutrons.

Property	Proton	Neutron	Electron
Charge	Positive (+1)	Neutral (0)	Negative (-1)
Location	Nucleus	Outer shells within the atom	Outer shells within an atom
Mass (relative to 1 unit)	1	1	~1/2000 (compared to a hydrogen atom)
Symbol	p	n	e

Non-Fundamental Particles

Non-fundamental particles are those beyond electrons, protons, and neutrons.

• Positron (e+): Antiparticle of the electron, with a positive charge and mass equivalent to the electrons.
• Antiproton (p̅): Antiparticle of the proton, possessing a negative charge and mass akin to the proton’s.
• Neutrino and Antineutrino: Introduced in β-particle emission from radioactive nuclei, both with zero rest mass and charge but possessing energy and momentum.
• Pi-mesons: Predicted by Yukawa, they mediate nuclear forces through the exchange between nucleons. Types include positive, negative, and neutral pi-mesons.
• Quarks and Bosons: Elementary particles composing heavier subatomic particles like electrons, protons, and neutrons. Bosons have integer spin.
• Bosons = Mesons + Photons: Relationship indicating that bosons consist of mesons and photons.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have investigated the captivating stories behind who discovered the electron proton and neutron. We dove into the notable trials directed by J.J. Thomson, Sir James Chadwick, and Ernest Rutherford. We additionally brought light to the properties of electrons, protons, and neutrons, including their mass

Understanding these subatomic particles is pivotal for getting a handle on the intricacies of our general surroundings, from the smallest iota to the tremendous universe.

So the next time you wonder, “Who discovered electron proton and neutron?” you’ll know the answer and the incredible science behind it.

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