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Quanta: meaning, definitions and examples

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quanta

 

[ หˆkwรคntษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physics term

Quanta refer to the discrete units of energy proportional to the frequency of radiation, as described by quantum theory. In essence, it represents the smallest possible discrete unit of any physical property. The term is often used in the context of photons, which are the quanta of light. It allows scientists to explain phenomena that cannot be clarified by classical physics, such as the photoelectric effect and atomic structure.

Synonyms

particle, quantum, unit

Examples of usage

  • Photons are the quanta of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Quanta play a critical role in quantum mechanics.
  • The behavior of particles at the quantum level can be explained through quanta.

Translations

Translations of the word "quanta" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น quanta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅเคตเคพเค‚เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Quanten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kuantum

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะฒะฐะฝั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kwant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้‡ๅญ (ใ‚Šใ‚‡ใ†ใ—, ั€ัŒะพัˆั–)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท quanta

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cuantรญa

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kuant

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–‘์ž (์–‘์ž, yangja)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒู…ูŠุฉ (ูƒูŽู…ู‘ููŠูŽู‘ุฉ)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kvant

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kvant

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้‡ๅญ (liร ngzว)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kvanta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kvannt

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะฒะฐะฝั‚ (ะบะฒะฐะฝั‚)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ•แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜ (kvanti)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kvan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cuantรญa

Word origin

The term 'quanta' is derived from the Latin word 'quantus', meaning 'how much'. Its usage in the field of physics has been particularly significant since the early 20th century with the advent of quantum mechanics. Notably, Max Planck introduced the concept of quantization to explain black-body radiation in 1900. This breakthrough highlighted that energy is not continuous, but rather exists in discrete packets. The development of this theory was revolutionary, leading to further discoveries by other physicists such as Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr. The plural form 'quanta' emerged from these foundational concepts, becoming a staple in scientific discussions regarding atomic and subatomic particles. Thus, the word not only reflects a significant shift in understanding physical phenomena but also signifies the evolution of scientific language itself.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,731, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.