quantum jump (redirected from quantum jumps)

quantum jump

n.

1. Abrupt change from one energy level to another, especially such a change in the orbit of an electron with the loss or gain of a quantum of energy.

2. A quantum leap.

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quantum jump

A change from one quantum state to another, as when an electron orbiting a nucleus moves from one shell to another with the loss or gain of a quantum of energy.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	quantum jump - (physics) an abrupt transition of an electron or atom or molecule from one quantum state to another with the emission or absorption of a quantum natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" jump, leap, saltation - an abrupt transition; "a successful leap from college to the major leagues"
	2.	quantum jump - a sudden large increase or advance; "this may not insure success but it will represent a quantum leap from last summer" quantum leap jump, leap - a sudden and decisive increase; "a jump in attendance"