Answer to Question #127076 in Physics for Susan Williams

Question

Give a reason why it is more effective to bombard a nucleus with neutrons than with protons.

Answer 1

It is better to bombard the nuclei with neutrons. Neutrons do not have an electric charge, unlike protons which have a positive electric charge. The nuclei have a positive charge, so neutrons can easily reach them, while protons need to overcome the Coulomb repulsion.