Which of the following particles are subatomic particles? 1. Electron

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.

1 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2024
All the listed particles – Electron, Proton, Neutron, and Muon – are considered subatomic particles.
Subatomic particles are particles that are smaller than an atom.
– Electrons are fundamental particles (leptons) that orbit the nucleus of an atom.
– Protons and Neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom. They are composite particles, each made up of three quarks (protons are two up quarks and one down quark, neutrons are one up quark and two down quarks). Despite being composite, they are typically classified as subatomic particles.
– Muons are fundamental particles (leptons), similar to electrons but much more massive. They are not constituents of ordinary atoms but are produced in high-energy interactions.
Subatomic particles can be fundamental (like electrons, muons, quarks, neutrinos, photons) or composite (like protons, neutrons, which are made of quarks). All particles smaller than an atom fall under the broad category of subatomic particles.