STARK EFFECT Meaning and
Definition
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The stark effect, also known as the Franz Joseph Stark effect, is a phenomenon in physics that refers to the splitting or shifting of energy levels in an atom or molecule in the presence of an electric field. It was discovered by the German physicist Johannes Stark in 1913 and is a crucial concept in atomic and molecular spectroscopy.
When an external electric field is applied to an atom or molecule, it interacts with the charged particles within them, such as electrons or protons. The electric field alters the energy levels of these particles, causing them to split or shift. This effect is referred to as the stark effect.
The stark effect can be observed by studying the emission or absorption spectrum of atoms or molecules when subjected to an electric field. The energy level splitting or shifting leads to the creation of additional lines in the spectrum, each corresponding to different energy eigenstates of the system. These additional lines provide valuable information about the structure and behavior of atoms or molecules.
The stark effect has wide applications in various fields, including atomic physics, spectroscopy, and quantum mechanics. It has been used to study the properties of atoms and molecules, understand their electronic structure, and investigate their interactions with external fields. The stark effect has also found practical use in technologies such as lasers and atomic clocks.
Etymology of STARK EFFECT
The term "Stark effect" is named after Johannes Stark, a German physicist who discovered this phenomenon in 1913. Johannes Stark was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1919 for his contributions to the understanding of the Stark effect and other related subjects.
