Which of the following is closest to the mass of a neutron?

• A. 1.673 × 10^{-27} kg
• B. 1.675 × 10^{-27} kg
• C. 9.109 × 10^{-31} kg
• D. 1.007 × 10^{-24} kg

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem asks for the mass of a neutron, which is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
2. Recall that the mass of a neutron is approximately 1.675 × 10^{-27} kilograms, which is very close to the mass of a proton but slightly heavier.
3. Compare the given options to this known value: 1.673 × 10^{-27} kg, 1.675 × 10^{-27} kg, 9.109 × 10^{-31} kg, and 1.007 × 10^{-24} kg.
4. Recognize that 9.109 × 10^{-31} kg is the mass of an electron, which is much lighter than a neutron, and 1.007 × 10^{-24} kg is much larger than the neutron's mass.
5. Conclude that the value closest to the neutron's mass is 1.675 × 10^{-27} kg, based on the known standard mass of a neutron.