Protons and neutrons are two important parts of the atomic nucleus, which is at the center of an atom. They help to define what elements are and how they behave. Let’s look at how they compare in terms of mass and charge.

Mass:

• A proton weighs about 1.007276 atomic mass units (amu).
• A neutron is a bit heavier, weighing about 1.008665 amu.
• So, while they are similar in weight, a neutron is just a little bit heavier than a proton!

Charge:

• Protons have a positive charge of +1. This positive charge is very important because it helps decide what the element is and how it connects with other atoms.
• Neutrons don’t have any charge at all; they are neutral. This neutrality helps keep the nucleus stable without changing the overall charge.

Summary:

• Proton: Mass = 1.007276 amu, Charge = +1
• Neutron: Mass = 1.008665 amu, Charge = 0 (neutral)

In conclusion, protons and neutrons work together to make the tiny nucleus strong and stable! They have different weights and charge properties, which makes them very important for how atoms are built. Isn’t that fascinating?