Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

photon

Noun

/ˈfoʊtɒn/

Definition

A photon is a fundamental particle of light and all other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Examples

The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength.
Photons can be absorbed or emitted by atoms, which is how light interacts with matter.
In quantum mechanics, photons are considered as both particles and waves.

Meaning

Photons are packets of energy that travel in waves and are responsible for the visible light we see as well as other types of electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves and X-rays.