Pauli exclusion principle

noun

, Physics.

1. exclusion principle.

Pauli exclusion principle

noun

1. physics the principle that two identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state in a body such as an atom Sometimes shortened toexclusion principle

Pauli exclusion principle

/ pô′lē,pou′- /

1. The principle that two fermions of a given type, such as electrons, protons, or neutrons, cannot occupy the same quantum state. It does not apply to bosons. This principle plays a key role in the electron orbital structure of atoms, since it prevents more than two electrons from occupying any given orbital (two are allowed, since they may have opposite spin, and thus be in different quantum states).
2. See also orbital

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pauli exclusion principle¹

First recorded in 1925–30; named after W. Pauli