bound state
The term "bound state" is used in various scientific fields to describe a stable configuration of particles or entities that are held together by forces or potentials, preventing them from separating without additional energy.
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Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)A stable configuration of particles held together by a potential, preventing separation without extra energy.
Example
- The protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus form a bound state due to nuclear forces.
C1Quantum Mechanics
(technical, academic)A quantum state where particles are confined to a finite region with discrete energy levels.
Example
- Electrons in an atom exist in bound states, each with specific energy levels.
B2Chemistry
(technical, academic)A molecular state where atoms or molecules are held together by chemical bonds.
Example
- The water molecule is a bound state of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bound state":
in a statein stateabsolute stategreen statefree statestate secret