Ask your own question, for FREE!
Physics 15 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

what are phonos?how are they different from photons?

OpenStudy (anonymous):

Photons are the particles of Electromagnetic field, meaning that they are the quantisation of the EM vibrations. Phonons on the other hand are quasi-particles, and result from the collective excitations of atoms in solid materials. In other words they are the quantisation of atomic vibrations within the lattice of a solid crystal. Sound waves in solid materials are phonons, which is where the term phonon comes from the Greek "phone" (meaning sound) and "on" which is the physicists term for particle. Phonons though can have transverse or longitudinal modes of vibration, whereas photons in EM waves only exhibit transverse modes.

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Latest Questions
Arriyanalol: i need help
2 days ago 7 Replies 1 Medal
Arriyanalol: CONGRATS to me
2 days ago 8 Replies 2 Medals
Legomaster346: What colleges are good that are near Arab Alabama?
1 week ago 5 Replies 0 Medals
Arriyanalol: i need help
1 week ago 6 Replies 2 Medals
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!