anomalous Zeeman effect
noun Physics, Optics.
See under Zeeman effect.
Definition for anomalous zeeman effect (2 of 2)
Zeeman effect
noun Physics, Optics.
the dividing of a spectral line or lines as a result of placing a radiation source in a magnetic field. The division consists of three equally spaced lines (normal Zeeman effect) in systems for which the spin quantum number is zero, or of three or more unequally spaced lines (anomalous Zeeman effect) in systems for which the spin quantum number is not zero.
Also called
Zeeman splitting.
Compare
Paschen-Back effect.
Origin of Zeeman effect
First recorded in 1895–1900; named after P.
Zeeman
British Dictionary definitions for anomalous zeeman effect
Zeeman effect
/ (ˈziːmən) /
noun
the splitting of a spectral line of a substance into several closely spaced lines when the substance is placed in a magnetic field
Word Origin for Zeeman effect
C20: named after Pieter
Zeeman (1865–1943), Dutch physicist
Scientific definitions for anomalous zeeman effect
Zeeman effect
The splitting of single spectral lines of an emission or absorption spectrum of a substance into three or more components when the substance is placed in a magnetic field. The effect occurs when several electron orbitals in the same shell, which normally have the same energy level, have different energies due to their different orientations in the magnetic field. A normal Zeeman effect is observed when a spectral line of an atom splits into three lines under a magnetic field. An anomalous Zeeman effect is observed if the spectral line splits into more than three lines. Astronomers can use the Zeeman effect to measure magnetic fields of stars. Compare Stark effect.