Relaxation time

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-010175",
  "term": "Relaxation time",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The characteristic time constant for a system to return to its equilibrium state after a sudden perturbation. It quantifies the rate at which a non-equilibrium population or energy distribution decays. For example, in nuclear magnetic resonance, T1 and T2 relaxation times describe longitudinal and transverse relaxation, respectively.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "relaxation",
    "resonance",
    "spectroscopy"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 25 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)",
    "Green Book, 2nd ed., p. 55 (https://goldbook.iupac.org/files/pdf/green_book_2ed.pdf)",
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 185 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/relaxation-time/"
}