What are the properties of a neutron ?

Explanation

1. Neutron is an uncharged particle and hence it is not deflected by the electric and magnetic fields.
2. It has very high penetrating power and has very low ionization power.
3. Inside the nucleus neutrons appear to be stable. The average life of an isolated neutron is about 1000 seconds. A free neutron is unstable and spontaneously decays into a proton, electron and an antineutrion `(bar(v))`.
`._(0)^(1)n rarr ._(1)^(1)H + ._(-1)^(0)e + bar(v)`
4. If fast neutrons pass through substances like heavy water, paraffin wax, graphite etc., they are slowed down.
5. Neutrons are diffracted by crystals.