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
  • Vibrational energy relaxation, the process by which molecules in high energy quantum states return to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution.
  • Chemical relaxation methods - see relaxation (physics) and also temperature jump

In mathematics:

• Relaxation (approximation), a technique for transforming hard constraints into easier ones
• Relaxation (iterative method), a technique for the numerical solution of equations
• Relaxation (extension method), a technique for a natural extension in mathematical optimization or variational problems

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

• Leisure
• Tension (music)