What type of particle has a neutral charge?

A particle with a neutral charge is essential to understanding atomic structure and the fundamental forces in nature. Neutrons, which are found in the nucleus of an atom alongside protons, possess a neutral charge that allows them to contribute to the atomic mass without influencing the electrical charge of the atom. This neutrality plays a critical role in the stability of the nucleus because neutrons help balance the repulsive forces between the positively charged protons.

In contrast, protons carry a positive charge, while electrons have a negative charge. Molecules, while composed of atoms which include neutrons, protons, and electrons, do not themselves have a neutral charge inherently, as they can be ionized and contain positively or negatively charged components depending on the balance of their constituent atoms. Thus, the neutron is uniquely identified as the neutral particle in the options given.