Which of the following particles are subatomic particles? 1. Electron 2. Proton 3. Neutron 4. Muon Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 4 only (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

Subatomic particles are particles smaller than an atom, which can be either elementary or composite [2]. Electrons, protons, and neutrons are the primary subatomic particles that constitute atoms [1]. Specifically, protons and neutrons are composite particles (hadrons/baryons) made of quarks, while electrons are elementary particles belonging to the lepton family [2]. The muon is also a subatomic particle and a member of the lepton family, similar to the electron but heavier and unstable. While electrons, protons, and neutrons are the building blocks of ordinary matter, muons are typically produced in high-energy environments like cosmic ray collisions in the atmosphere. Therefore, all four listed particles—electron, proton, neutron, and muon—are correctly classified as subatomic particles within the framework of particle physics [2].

Sources

1. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Glossary > p. 100
2. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 1: The Universe, The Big Bang Theory, Galaxies & Stellar Evolution > The Evolution of The Universe Since the Big Bang > p. 2