Spinning Question: Electron in Magnetic Field

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In summary, when a magnetic field vector is turned on in the positive z-direction, the spin vector of an electron points in the positive x-direction and precesses around the x-axis. When the magnetic field is turned off, the spin vector stops precessing and remains in the positive x-direction.
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An electron has its spin vector pointing in the positive x-direction and a magnetic field vector is turned on in the positive z-direction.

Question 1. Does the spin vector turn to the positive z-direction and start to precess around the z-axis? Or does is precess around the x-axis?

Question 2. If the magnetic field vector is turned off, and the spin vector did turn to the positive z-direction does is go back to the x-direction? Or if it stayed pointing in the x-direction does it stop precessing?

I think the answer to question 1 is that the spin vector point in the x-direction and starts to precess around the x-axis. The answer to question 2 is it stops the precession around the x-axis and stays pointing in the positive x-direction.
Could someone please tell my if I'm right or wrong.









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  • #2
It precesses about the z axis, and stops when B is turned off.
 

What is a spinning electron?

An electron is a fundamental particle that carries a negative charge. It also has a property called spin, which is a form of angular momentum. This spin is not literal spinning, but rather a quantum mechanical property that describes the intrinsic angular momentum of the electron.

What is a magnetic field?

A magnetic field is a region in space where a magnetic force can be felt. It is caused by moving electric charges, such as the movement of electrons. The strength and direction of a magnetic field can be measured by using a compass or a magnetic field sensor.

How does a magnetic field affect an electron?

When an electron is placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force due to its charge and its spin. This force causes the electron to move in a circular or helical path, depending on the orientation of its spin relative to the magnetic field. This phenomenon is known as the "spinning electron in magnetic field".

What is the significance of the "spinning electron in magnetic field" phenomenon?

The spinning electron in magnetic field phenomenon has many practical applications, such as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and particle accelerators. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules, and is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics.

Can the spin of an electron be changed in a magnetic field?

No, the spin of an electron is an intrinsic property that cannot be changed. However, the direction of its spin can be flipped when the electron interacts with other particles or fields, such as in the process of electron spin resonance.

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