What Charge Does a Neutron Have? — Reading Comprehension
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MS-PS1
HS-PS1
RI.6.3
RI.7.1
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This middle school science passage, 'What Charge Does a Neutron Have?', teaches students about one of the key subatomic particles: the neutron. Students learn that neutrons are found in the nucleus, have no electric charge (they are neutral), and help stabilize the atom by balancing the repelling forces between protons. The passage also explains the differences between neutrons and other particles like protons and electrons. This aligns with NGSS MS-PS1-1, which focuses on the structure and properties of matter, and supports Common Core ELA standards like RI.6.1 and RI.6.4. With 8 multiple choice questions, a fun fact, and clear vocabulary, this passage helps students build a strong understanding of atomic structure and the role of charge in science.
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"Atom (PSF)" by Pearson Scott Foresman / Wikimedia Commons.
Atoms are made up of three main particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. These tiny building blocks each have different properties, including mass and electric charge. You may already know that protons have a positive charge and electrons have a negative charge. But what about neutrons?
A neutron has no electric charge at all. It is neutral—that’s where its name comes from. The word “neutron” sounds like “neutral,” which means it is neither positive nor negative. It has a charge of 0.
Neutrons are found in the nucleus, or center, of an atom, along with protons. While protons and neutrons are similar in size and mass, their charges are very different. Protons attract electrons because they have opposite charges, but neutrons don’t attract or repel anything based on charge—they simply help stabilize the nucleus.
Neutrons play a big role in the mass and stability of atoms. Without them, the positive charges of protons would repel each other and the atom wouldn’t hold together. Neutrons help balance out the forces inside the nucleus.
So, what charge does a neutron have?
None. It is neutral, and that makes it an important part of the atom's inner structure.
Fun Fact: Neutrons are neutral—but outside the atom, they don’t last long! A free neutron decays in about 15 minutes
What is the main idea of the passage?
How electrons move in atomsWhat a neutron is and its electric chargeWhy protons are heavier than neutronsWhat atoms are made of
What charge does a neutron have?
PositiveNegativeNeutral (no charge)It depends on the element
Where are neutrons found in an atom?
In the electron cloudOrbiting the nucleusIn the nucleusOutside the atom
What does the name “neutron” help us remember?
That it is tinyThat it is negativeThat it is neutralThat it moves fast
What two particles are found in the nucleus?
Protons and electronsNeutrons and electronsProtons and neutronsElectrons only
How do neutrons help stabilize an atom?
They give the atom energyThey balance the positive charge of protonsThey attract electronsThey help atoms float
Why don’t neutrons attract or repel other particles?
They are too smallThey are not found in atomsThey have no electric chargeThey are too fast
What would happen without neutrons in the nucleus?
Atoms would be largerThe nucleus might fall apartElectrons would disappearProtons would stop moving
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