Difference Between Photon and Phonon
Photon |
Phonon |
---|---|
It is defined as the quanta of electromagnetic energy. |
It is defined as the quanta of vibrational mechanical energy. |
It is discovered by Gilbert Lewis in 1926 |
It is discovered by Igor Tamm in 1932 |
Energy Formula : E = ћω
|
Energy Formula : E = ћω
|
Its rest mass is Zero |
Its mass is considered a negative mass with negative gravity. |
Photons exist in nature |
It is not proven by any experiment, that phonons exist in nature. |
Types of photons are : Cosmic rays, X-rays, and all E-M ray photons |
Types of phonons are : Acoustic and Optical phonons |
Photons travel with the speed of light. c = 3*108m/s |
Phonons travel slower than photons. ( approx 2.9 * 10-3km/s) |
Photons are neutral, hence they do not deviate in an either electric or magnetic field |
Phonons show some deflection in the magnetic field. |
Size of photon is Approx. 34.9nm |
Size of phonon is Not Defined |
It is a Bosonic particle |
It is also a Bosonic particle |
Difference Between Photons and Phonons
Most of us get confused, when we hear the word phonon, because it is very similar to the word photon. And the question pops up in our minds: whether these two words refer to a similar thing or not. But, did you know, we are somehow partially correct? Because these two words are analogous to each other. Most of their properties are similar and represent the same thing to some extent. In this article, we will discuss both of them in detail, including their definitions, characteristics, properties, and real-life applications. We will learn that these are analogous to each other, but we will also discuss their differences. So, let’s begin…