quanta Definition
- 1a quantity or amount of something, especially energy
- 2the smallest amount of many forms of energy (such as light) that can exist
- 3a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents
Using quanta: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "quanta" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The quanta of light are called photons.
Example
The energy is transferred in quanta.
Example
The energy of a photon is proportional to its frequency.
Example
The quanta of sound are called phonons.
quanta Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with quanta
quantum mechanics
a fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles
Example
Quantum mechanics is used to describe the behavior of electrons in atoms.
Example
The discovery of penicillin was a quantum leap in medicine.
a theoretical framework that combines classical field theory, special relativity, and quantum mechanics
Example
Quantum field theory is used to describe the behavior of subatomic particles.
Summary: quanta in Brief
The term 'quanta' [ˈkwɑːntə] refers to a quantity or amount of something, especially energy. It is also the smallest amount of many forms of energy, such as light, that can exist. 'Quanta' extends into phrases like 'quantum mechanics,' which describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles, and 'quantum leap,' which denotes an abrupt change or sudden increase, especially in knowledge or technology.
