photon

UK: ˈfəʊtɒn | US: ˈfoʊtɑːn

Definition

  1. n. A quantum of electromagnetic energy, regarded as a discrete particle having zero mass and no electric charge.

Structure
photo <light>on <particle suffix>photo <light>on <particle suffix>
Etymology

photon = photo<light> + on<particle suffix>

  • photo<light>: From Greek phōs (genitive phōtos), meaning "light."
  • on<particle suffix>: A suffix used in physics to denote elementary particles or quanta (e.g., electron, proton).

Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1926 by physicist Gilbert N. Lewis, "photon" merges Greek photo- (light) with the scientific suffix -on, aligning with other subatomic particle names. The term reflects the dual nature of light as both wave and particle, encapsulating Einstein's quantum theory of light (1905).

Examples

  1. A photon is the fundamental unit of light.

  2. Solar panels convert photons into electrical energy.

  3. The photon's energy depends on its wavelength.

  4. In a vacuum, photons travel at the speed of light.

  5. Quantum entanglement links the states of two distant photons.