Quanta vs. Photon: What's the Difference?

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Quanta and photons are related concepts in quantum physics, but they are not the same. "Quanta" refers to the smallest discrete quantities of any physical property, while a "photon" is specifically a single quantum of light. In quantum mechanics, properties like charge exist in fixed amounts, meaning they cannot be divided infinitely. Thus, while all photons are quanta, not all quanta are photons, as the term applies to various types of energy and matter. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping fundamental principles in quantum physics.
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I was reading a book on light and the terms quanta and photon were used for what seemed like the same thing. Whats the differance?
 
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You know, I hope, that in qantum physics quantities are not infinitely divisible but come in "packets". For example, every possible charge is some integer multiple of the charge of an electron. "quantum" (plural "quanta") is the smallest possible amount of whatever quality you are talking about. A photon is specifically one "quantum" of light.
 
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