Which particle in the atom has the smallest mass? electron proton neutron photon
The photon does not have mass. The neutron has almost the same mass as proton and their mass is a lot greater than electrons. So the particle with smallest mass should be electron.
Answer: Option (d) is the correct answer.
Explanation:
An atom consists of three subatomic particles which are protons, electrons and neutrons.
Whereas a smallest quantum of electromagnetic radiation is known as photon. These remain always in motion and they travel at constant speed in a vacuum.
Mass of an electron is \(9.1 \times 10^{-31}\) kg
Mass of a proton is \(1.67 \times 10^{-27}\) kg
Mass of a neutron is \(1.67 \times 10^{-27}\) kg
On the other hand, a photon is mass less.
Hence, we can conclude that out of the given options photon is the particle which has the smallest mass.