Question 33

Electron is the smallest particle in an atom.

An electron is considered the smallest particle in an atom, as it has a much smaller mass compared to protons and neutrons, which are located in the nucleus.

A) Proton

Protons are subatomic particles found in the nucleus of an atom and have a positive charge. They are significantly larger than electrons in terms of mass, making them not the smallest particle in an atom.

B) Electron

Electrons are the smallest particles in an atom, with negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons. Their size and mass make them the lightest and smallest subatomic particles present in an atom.

C) Neutron

Neutrons are neutral particles located in the nucleus of an atom and have a mass similar to that of protons. They are not the smallest particle in an atom due to their comparable mass to protons.

D) Nucleus

The nucleus is the central part of an atom that contains protons and neutrons. It is not a particle itself but rather a composite of particles, making it much larger than an electron.

Conclusion

The electron is definitively the smallest particle in an atom due to its negligible mass compared to protons and neutrons, both of which are larger and constitute the nucleus. All other options represent particles or structures that are larger than electrons, confirming that the electron holds the title of the smallest particle in atomic structure.