relaxation time
The term "relaxation time" is used across various fields to describe the time it takes for a system to return to equilibrium after being disturbed.
Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)The characteristic duration for a system to reach equilibrium after a disturbance.
Example
- In nuclear magnetic resonance, the relaxation time determines how quickly the net magnetization returns to equilibrium after a pulse.
C1Medicine
(technical, academic)The time taken for a muscle to return to its resting state after contraction.
Example
- Understanding the relaxation time of muscles can help in diagnosing muscular disorders.
C1Materials Science
(technical, academic)The duration required for a viscous substance to recover from shearing stress after flow has stopped.
Example
- The relaxation time of polymers affects their mechanical properties and processing.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "relaxation time":
time constantrelease timetransition timerotation timerecycling timereturn timeresponse timering timeclearance timelatency timeslow timeholding timehold timedwell timeheat timereference timestay timeintegration timewall timedetention timedelay time