Why neutrons more effective than protons as nuclear bullets?

Answer 1

One reason for using a neutron as a nuclear bullet is that it isn't deflected by magnetic or electrostatic fields like a proton or other ion would be. About the only thing that will slow down or deflect (scatter), or stop (absorb) a neutron is an atomic nucleus. Neutrons have many times more penetrating power than protons.

Answer 2

Neutrons have no charge therefore their path is not affected by the charge of the atoms and molecules around them. This lack of charge also prevents them from being repelled from the target nucleus's positive charge. An electron would be attracted to the nucleus but would end up orbiting the nucleus with the other electrons which might repel it from the atom anyways.

Answer 3

For nuclear reactions to take place the projected particle(neutron or proton) must come close to the target nucleus to interact with it.

In case of protons, they can't come close to nucleus. Both protons and nucleus are +ve charged so repel each other. But neutrons have no charge on them so they are not repelled and come close to nucleus.

Note - similar charges repel, opposites attract.

Answer 4

Neutrons are more effective than protons as nuclear bullets because neutrons have no charge, allowing them to penetrate the nucleus of an atom more easily. This makes them better suited for inducing nuclear reactions such as fission. Protons, on the other hand, have a positive charge which can repel the positively charged nucleus of an atom, making them less effective at inducing nuclear reactions.

Answer 5

I believe it's because a neutron has no charge.

Answer 6

Neutrons are not affected by the electrostatic repulsion, that keeps other protons away from the nucleus.

Answer 7

Being electrically neutral neutrons penetrate easily an atom.