Advertisement
Advertisement
phonon
[ foh-non ]
noun
, Physics.
- a quantum of sound or vibratory elastic energy, being the analogue of a photon of electromagnetic energy.
phonon
/ ˈfəʊnɒn /
noun
- physics a quantum of vibrational energy in the acoustic vibrations of a crystal lattice
phonon
/ fō′nŏn′ /
- The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy. Phonons, like all quanta in quantum mechanics, have wavelike and particlelike properties. Phonons propagate through the vibrating material at the speed of sound in that material. Phonons are especially useful in mathematical models for calculating thermal and vibrational properties of solids.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of phonon1
C20: from phono- + -on
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse