What is Quantum?
In [[physics]], a '''quantum''' (plural: ''quanta'') is a very small object that is involved in some interaction. It has one of several possible states. [[Theoretical physics]] uses quanta for calculations. There are special sciences such as [[quantum mechanics]], or [[quantum thermodynamics]] that study quanta, and their interactions. Examples: * [[Photon|Photons]] are quanta of the [[electromagnetic field]]. * [[Phonon|Phonons]] are quanta of mechanical distortions in a solid * [[Plasmon|Plasmons]] * [[Magnon|Magnons]] * [[Gluon|Gluons]] are quanta of the force field that transmits the strong interaction * [[Graviton|Gravitons]] [[Category:Basic physics ideas]] {{physics-stub}}