How does the mass of neutrons compare to that of protons?

The correct comparison between the mass of neutrons and protons is that they have roughly the same mass. Specifically, the neutron is slightly heavier than the proton, but the difference is very minimal.

Both neutrons and protons are nucleons, which mean they reside in the atomic nucleus and their masses are approximately 1 atomic mass unit (amu). The slight difference in mass, where the neutron has a mass of about 1.008 amu and the proton approximately 1.007 amu, does not change the fact that they are very close in mass and often considered equivalent for many practical purposes in chemistry and physics.

Understanding this characteristic is crucial for grasping fundamental concepts in atomic structure, as it highlights the similarities between these two types of nucleons and their roles within the nucleus.