What type of particle is a photon?

A photon is fundamentally known as a light particle, which is a type of elementary particle that carries electromagnetic radiation, including visible light. Photons are unique because they have zero rest mass, allowing them to travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. Unlike massive particles, which have mass and can be influenced by gravity in conventional ways, photons behave according to the principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetic wave theory.

The identification of a photon as a light particle distinguishes it from other kinds of particles that can possess mass or charge, like electrons or protons. Therefore, understanding that a photon is indeed a light particle emphasizes its role in fundamental physics, including concepts like wave-particle duality and its contributions to the behavior of light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.