Photon

In physics, the photon (from Greek φοτος, meaning light) is a quantum of the electromagnetic field, for instance light. Photons were originally called "energy quanta".

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The photon is one of the elementary particles. Its interactions with electrons and atomic nuclei account for a great many of the features of matter, such as the existence and stability of atoms, molecules, and solids. These interactions are studied in quantum electrodynamics (QED), which is the oldest part of the Standard Model of particle physics.

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In some respects a photon acts as a particle, for instance when registered by the light sensitive device in a camera. In other respects, a photon acts like a wave, as when passing through the optics in a camera. According to the so-called wave-particle duality in quantum physics, it is natural for the photon to display either aspect of its nature, according to the circumstances. Normally, light is formed from a large number of photons, with the intensity or brightness related to the number of them. At low intensity, it requires very sensitive instruments, used in astronomy or spectroscopy, for instance, to detect the individual photons.

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Physics: Physics (from the Greek, φυσικός (phusikos), "natural", and φύσις (phusis), "nature") is the science of the natural world in the broadest sense, dealing with matter and energy and the fundamental forces of nature that govern the interaction...

Greek: The noun Greek refers to:...

Quantum: :For the article about the manufacturer of computer peripherals, see Quantum Corporation....

Photon related Images and Photos (experimental)

Marvel Figurine Collector Magazine with Photon Figure