In simplified relative-mass terms, what is the relative mass of an electron compared to a proton (proton $=1$)?

• A. Approximately $2$
• B. Approximately $1$
• C. Approximately $\frac{1}{1836}$
• D. Approximately $\frac{1}{2}$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the problem asks for the relative mass of an electron compared to a proton, where the proton's mass is taken as 1 unit.
2. Recall that the proton is much heavier than the electron; the electron's mass is significantly smaller in comparison.
3. Use the known approximate mass ratio: the mass of an electron is about 1/1836 the mass of a proton.
4. Express this ratio mathematically as \(\frac{1}{1836}\), indicating the electron's mass relative to the proton's mass of 1.
5. Conclude that the relative mass of the electron compared to the proton is approximately \(\frac{1}{1836}\).