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triplet

atomic physics
Also known as: triplet state

Quick Summary

In atomic physics, a triplet state refers to a condition where electrons in an atom or molecule have parallel spins, resulting in a net magnetic moment. This is in contrast to a singlet state, where electron spins are paired and cancel each other out.1

When an electron absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy level, it can either maintain its paired spin configuration (singlet state) or flip its spin to align parallel with its original partner (triplet state). Transitions between singlet and triplet states are typically forbidden by selection rules.1

Phosphorescence, a phenomenon where a molecule emits light after absorbing it, involves a transition from an excited singlet state to a triplet state, followed by a slow decay back to the singlet ground state. This process is related to the interactions between electron spins and their orbital motion.1

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