Convert Grain (gr) to Neutron Mass (mₙ) instantly.
About these units
Grain (gr)
The grain, defined as exactly 64.79891 milligrams, is one of the oldest units of mass still in limited use today. Derived from the weight of average cereal grains such as barley or wheat, it became a universal tiny unit used across Europe for coins, medicine, and gunpowder. The grain persists in firearms and ammunition manufacturing because bullet weights are still listed in grains (e.g., a "150-grain bullet"). Reloaders and ballistic engineers rely on the grain as a fine unit suitable for measuring powder charges and projectile masses. It is also used in traditional gold and silver transactions, linking it to the troy system. The grain's longevity highlights how ancient agrarian measures can remain embedded in modern technological practices.
Neutron Mass (mₙ)
The neutron is slightly heavier than the proton, with a mass of 1.67492749804 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms. This subtle difference has profound implications: it allows neutrons to undergo beta decay outside the nucleus, transforming into protons, electrons, and antineutrinos. Neutrons play a crucial role in nuclear reactions, especially in reactors and stars. Their ability to penetrate atomic nuclei (due to lack of electric charge) makes them highly effective in initiating fission or fusion processes. The neutron mass helps determine nuclear binding energy and isotopic stability, shaping the entire periodic table.