What is the difference between a proton and a neutron?

Protons and neutrons are subatomic particles that make up the atomic nuclei of atoms. While they are similar in some ways, they have distinct differences in terms of charge, mass, and role in atomic structure.

Protons:

Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. They have a charge of +1 and are crucial for determining the identity of an element. The number of protons in an atom's nucleus is what defines an element's atomic number.

Neutrons:

Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus alongside protons. They have no electric charge and help stabilize the nucleus by providing additional mass without adding any extra positive charge. Neutrons play a critical role in nuclear reactions and stability.

Differences:

The main difference between protons and neutrons is their charge. Protons have a positive charge, while neutrons have no charge (neutral). Additionally, protons are slightly less massive than neutrons, but both are significantly more massive than electrons, which orbit the nucleus.

In summary, protons are positively charged particles with a smaller mass compared to neutrons, while neutrons are neutral particles with a slightly larger mass. Together, they form the nucleus of an atom and play essential roles in defining the properties and stability of elements.