Spin, linear momentum and orbital angular momentum

In summary, spin is an intrinsic property of particles that determines their orientation and behavior, and it is different from other types of momentum such as linear momentum and orbital angular momentum. While linear momentum describes a particle's movement through space and orbital angular momentum describes its rotation around a fixed axis, spin is a component of the total angular momentum of a particle. All particles have spin, but the amount can vary between different types of particles. Spin, linear momentum, and orbital angular momentum can be measured using experimental techniques such as the Stern-Gerlach apparatus for spin, observing the change in position for linear momentum, and observing the rotation for orbital angular momentum.
  • #1
ad6190
1
0
How to prove when electron spin is perpendicular to linear momentum, orbital angular momentum can't be 0.
And when they are paralleled, orbital angular momentum is 0.
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
Your statements are not true. Orbital angular momentum does not depend on spin direction.
 
  • #3
ad6190 said:
How to prove when electron spin is perpendicular to linear momentum, orbital angular momentum can't be 0.
And when they are paralleled, orbital angular momentum is 0.
Thanks.
I think you are talking abput L_z, and not L^2.
 

1. What is spin and how is it different from other types of momentum?

Spin is a type of intrinsic angular momentum that is possessed by particles. Unlike other types of momentum, such as linear momentum and orbital angular momentum, spin does not involve any actual physical movement or motion. Instead, it is an inherent property of particles that determines their orientation and behavior.

2. How is linear momentum different from orbital angular momentum?

Linear momentum is a measure of a particle's motion in a straight line, while orbital angular momentum is a measure of a particle's motion in a circular or elliptical path around a central point. In other words, linear momentum describes the particle's movement through space, while orbital angular momentum describes its rotation around a fixed axis.

3. How is spin related to the other types of momentum?

Spin is related to linear momentum and orbital angular momentum in that it is a component of the total angular momentum of a particle. The total angular momentum is the sum of the three types of momentum, and it describes the particle's overall rotational motion. Spin contributes to the overall angular momentum, but it is distinct from the other types of momentum.

4. Can all particles have spin, or is it only relevant for certain particles?

All particles have spin, but the amount of spin can differ between particles. For example, particles that make up matter, such as electrons, protons, and neutrons, all have a spin of ½, while photons, which are particles of light, have a spin of 1. Some particles, such as the Higgs boson, have no spin at all.

5. How do scientists measure spin, linear momentum, and orbital angular momentum?

Spin, linear momentum, and orbital angular momentum can all be measured using various experimental techniques. For example, the spin of a particle can be measured using a device called a Stern-Gerlach apparatus, which applies a magnetic field to the particle and measures the deflection of its path. Linear momentum can be measured by observing the change in position of a particle over time, while orbital angular momentum can be measured by observing the rotation of a particle around a central point.

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