Protons and neutrons differ primarily in their electrical charge and quark composition. Protons have a positive charge (+1 elementary charge), while neutrons are electrically neutral with no charge. Both particles are located in the nucleus of an atom and have nearly the same mass, with the neutron's mass being slightly greater than that of the proton. Protons consist of two up quarks and one down quark, whereas neutrons consist of two down quarks and one up quark. These differences in charge and quark structure lead to slightly different interactions and properties, although both are bound together in the atomic nucleus by the strong nuclear force.
In summary:
- Charge: Protons are positively charged; neutrons have no charge.
- Mass: Both have about 1 atomic mass unit, but the neutron’s mass is slightly higher.
- Composition: Protons have two up quarks and one down quark; neutrons have two down quarks and one up quark.
- Location: Both reside in the nucleus of atoms.
These distinctions are fundamental to the structure of atoms and their behavior in nuclear reactions.
