A subatomic particle consists of the quark combination u 3 - Edexcel - A-Level Physics - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1

The particle consists of the quark combination 'u 3', which indicates that this particle contains three up quarks. The classification of particles can be summarized as follows:

1. Baryons: These are particles that are made up of three quarks. They include protons and neutrons, which are the building blocks of atomic nuclei.

2. Leptons: These are elementary particles that do not undergo strong interactions. Examples include electrons and neutrinos.

3. Mesons: These are particles made up of a quark and an antiquark pair. They are intermediate particles in strong interactions.

4. Nucleons: This term refers to protons and neutrons collectively.

Given that the particle consists of three up quarks, it is classified as a baryon. Therefore, the correct classification from the options provided is C. meson.