Relaxation

Relaxation stands quite generally for a release of tension, a return to equilibrium.

In the sciences, the term is used in the following ways:

• Relaxation (physics), and more in particular:
  • Relaxation (NMR), processes by which nuclear magnetization returns to the equilibrium distribution
  • Dielectric relaxation, the delay in the dielectric constant of a material
  • Structural relaxation, responsible for the glass transition
  • Vibrational energy relaxation, the process by which molecules in high energy quantum states return to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.
• In mathematics:
  • Relaxation technique (mathematics), a technique for transforming hard constraints into easier ones
  • Relaxation method, for numerically solving elliptic partial differential equations
• In computer science:
  • Relaxation, the act of substituting alternative program code during linking

In Physiology, Hypnosis, Meditation, Recreation:

• Relaxation technique, an activity that helps a person to relax
• Relaxed in Flow (psychology), a state of arousal, flow, over-learned self-control and relaxation
• Relaxation (psychology), the emotional state of low tension

See also:

• Tension (music)