What property do neutrons and protons share regarding their composition?

Neutrons and protons share the characteristic of having nearly equal mass, which is a fundamental aspect of their composition as nucleons within an atomic nucleus. Protons have a mass of approximately 1.6726 x 10^-27 kilograms, while neutrons have a mass of about 1.6750 x 10^-27 kilograms. This similarity in mass is significant because it contributes to the overall stability and structure of atomic nuclei. It allows for a balance between the repulsive forces experienced by protons due to their positive charge and the attractive forces provided by neutrons that help hold the nucleus together.

This equivalence in mass is particularly relevant in nuclear physics, as it influences reactions that occur in the nucleus, such as beta decay, where a neutron can convert into a proton (or vice versa), affecting the composition of the atom without changing the mass significantly. Knowing this mass similarity is crucial for understanding various nuclear processes and the behavior of atoms under different conditions.

While the other options present attributes related to neutrons and protons, they do not accurately characterize a shared property. Protons are positively charged, while neutrons are neutral; they do not have a balance of energy in the same way; and both particles can be stable under