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 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 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.