No, not all waves can be explained in terms of particles or phonons. While some waves can be described using particle-like concepts such as phonons, which are quanta of vibrational energy in a crystalline lattice, not all waves have a particle-based explanation.
In classical physics, waves can be understood as the propagation of energy or disturbances through a medium or a field. Examples include water waves, electromagnetic waves (such as light or radio waves), and seismic waves. These waves do not involve discrete particles as their underlying explanation. Instead, they are described by mathematical equations that characterize the behavior of the wave itself, such as wave equations or Maxwell's equations.
However, in certain situations, wave-like phenomena can be quantized and explained in terms of particles. This is particularly relevant in quantum mechanics, where certain types of waves, such as electromagnetic waves, can exhibit particle-like behavior called wave-particle duality. For instance, light can be described as both waves and particles called photons. Similarly, matter waves, such as electrons or other particles, can be described by wave functions that exhibit particle-like properties.
Therefore, while wave-particle duality exists in quantum mechanics, not all waves can be fully explained in terms of particles or phonons. The behavior and description of waves depend on the specific context and the underlying physical principles involved.