Final answer:
The option with the least mass subatomic particles is not explicitly given in the question, but generally, electrons in the lowest energy levels (such as 2s²) have less mass than those in higher levels. Protons and neutrons have approximately the same mass and are much more massive than electrons. Particles and antiparticles are theorized to have the same mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Subatomic Particles and Atomic Configuration
The configuration with the least mass subatomic particles would likely be amongst the options that have the lowest energy level for the electrons. However, the question does not provide specific configurations that correlate with the options a), b), c), and d) from the list you've presented. From the information given, to determine the configuration with the least mass, one would consider the electrons in the lowest energy levels, such as s-orbitals of the first energy level (n=1), which would point to option a) 2s² since it represents electrons close to the nucleus in a low energy s-orbital. Electrons in higher energy levels or orbitals, such as 4s and 4p, have slightly more mass due to their increased energy, as shown in options b) and c).
Regarding subatomic particles, protons and neutrons both reside within an atom's nucleus and have approximately the same mass, distinguishing them from electrons which have significantly less mass. Moreover, particles and antiparticles are known to have the same mass in theory, furthering our understanding of subatomic particle properties.
To identify a subshell using quantum numbers, such as those given with n and l values, one would use the principal quantum number (n) to determine the energy level and the azimuthal quantum number (l) to determine the shape of the orbital (subshell type). For example, for quantum numbers n = 3, l = 1, the subshell is 3p, and for n = 2, l = 0, the subshell is 2s. This understanding is essential for determining electron configurations and subsequently, atomic and subatomic behaviors.