Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

klein paradox

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.37 in modern English

Syllables
klein -para-dox
IPA
26
Scrabble Score
12
Letters
3
Syllables
11
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A surprising result of applying the Dirac equation to the problem of electron scattering from a potential barrier. In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, electron tunnelling into a barrier is observed, with exponential damping. However, if the potential is of the order of the electron mass, V∼mc², the barrier is nearly transparent; moreover, as the potential approaches infinity, the reflection diminishes and the electron is always transmitted.

Etymology

Discovered by physicist Oskar Klein in 1929.

Inflected Forms

Klein paradoxes (plural)

Phrases

Klein tunnelling Klein tunneling Klein zone

Frequently Paired Words

Klein tunnelling Klein tunneling Klein zone

Questions

What does klein paradox mean?
A surprising result of applying the Dirac equation to the problem of electron scattering from a potential barrier. In non-relativistic quantum mechanics, electron tunnelling into a barrier is observed, with exponential damping. However, if the potential is of the order of the electron mass, V∼mc², the barrier is nearly transparent; moreover, as the potential approaches infinity, the reflection diminishes and the electron is always transmitted.
Where does klein paradox come from?
Discovered by physicist Oskar Klein in 1929.

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