Franck-Condon principle

noun Franck-Con·don principle \ ˈfraŋkˈkändən- , -räŋ- \

Definition of Franck-Condon principle

: a principle in spectroscopy: the intensities of molecular spectral bands due to electronic transitions are consistent with the assumption that the relatively large mass of the atomic nuclei in the molecule prevents appreciable change in their configuration during such transitions

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Origin and Etymology of franck-condon principle

after James Franck †1964 American physicist born in Germany and Edward U. Condon, born 1902 American physicist

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First Known Use: 1928

in the meaning defined above

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