A neutron is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom, alongside protons. Unlike protons, which have a positive charge, neutrons are electrically neutral, meaning they have no charge at all. This neutrality allows them to play a crucial role in stabilizing the nucleus, helping to hold protons together despite their natural repulsion due to their positive charges. Neutrons are essential in various processes, including nuclear reactions and the formation of different isotopes of elements. For example, the element carbon has isotopes like carbon-12 and carbon-14, which differ in the number of neutrons they contain. Understanding neutrons helps scientists explore the fundamental building blocks of matter.