Degeneracy

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002922",
  "term": "Degeneracy",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The condition where two or more distinct quantum states of a system possess the same energy. This occurs when multiple wavefunctions correspond to an identical energy eigenvalue in quantum mechanics. For example, the p orbitals in an isolated atom are threefold degenerate, meaning px, py, and pz orbitals have the same energy.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "references": [
    "Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 39 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/degeneracy/"
}