Debye theory

noun

: a theory in wave mechanics: the energy of thermal agitation in a crystal is distributed among the possible systems of standing waves that correspond to the normal modes of elastic vibration

Word History

Etymology

after P. J. W. Debye

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Cite this Entry

“Debye theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Debye%20theory. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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