Which of the following statements correctly describes a similarity and a difference between protons and neutrons?

• A. Both protons and neutrons have a positive charge, but neutrons are slightly heavier than protons.
• B. Protons and neutrons are both negatively charged, but neutrons are found outside the nucleus.
• C. Protons and neutrons have very different masses, but both are found in the electron cloud.
• D. Both protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass, but protons have a positive charge while neutrons are neutral.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the basic properties of protons and neutrons: both are subatomic particles located in the nucleus of an atom.
2. Understand the charge of each particle: protons carry a positive charge (+1), while neutrons have no charge (neutral).
3. Compare their masses: protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass, with neutrons being slightly heavier but very close in value.
4. Recognize their location: both protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus, not in the electron cloud.
5. Use these facts to evaluate the given statements and identify the one that correctly describes both a similarity (mass) and a difference (charge) between protons and neutrons.