Level width

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006541",
  "term": "Level width",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The uncertainty in the energy of a quantum mechanical state, related to the finite lifetime of that state. According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, a shorter lifetime corresponds to a larger energy uncertainty and thus a broader level width. This width, denoted by Γ, is related to the lifetime τ by the formula Γ = ħ/τ, where ħ is the reduced Planck constant.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Planck constant"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 22 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/level-width/"
}