In what way are protons and neutrons similar?

In what way are protons and neutrons similar?

• A. They have nearly the same mass
• B. They carry the same electric charge
• C. They orbit the nucleus
• D. They are the same particle

Answer: (A)

Protons and neutrons are both nucleons that reside in the atomic nucleus, and their masses are nearly identical—about one atomic mass unit each. This nearly equal mass is why they’re considered similar in this context, since it means they contribute similarly to the nucleus’s mass regardless of their other differences. They do differ in electric charge: protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral, so they don’t have the same charge. They don’t orbit the nucleus themselves, either—the electrons do the orbiting. And they aren’t the same particle, since protons and neutrons have different compositions and properties.

Protons and neutrons are both nucleons that reside in the atomic nucleus, and their masses are nearly identical—about one atomic mass unit each. This nearly equal mass is why they’re considered similar in this context, since it means they contribute similarly to the nucleus’s mass regardless of their other differences. They do differ in electric charge: protons carry a positive charge, while neutrons are neutral, so they don’t have the same charge. They don’t orbit the nucleus themselves, either—the electrons do the orbiting. And they aren’t the same particle, since protons and neutrons have different compositions and properties.