Phonons are quantized modes of vibrations occurring in a rigid crystal lattice, like vibrations in a string but at the atomic level. They play a significant role in various properties of materials:
Heat Capacity: Phonons contribute to the heat capacity of materials, especially at low temperatures. Thermal Conductivity: Phonons are the primary carriers of heat in non-metallic solids. Electrical Properties: Phonon interactions can influence electrical conductivity, particularly in semiconductors and insulators.
