Exploring the Angular Momentum of Electrons in Atoms

In summary, the properties of electrons in atoms include energy level, shape, orientation, and spin. The energy level determines the electron's distance from the nucleus, while the shape dictates the orbital shape. The magnetic moment determines the orientation of the orbital, and the spin dictates how the electron responds to a magnetic field. However, the concept of the electron "spinning" may not be entirely accurate and is dependent on its environment.
  • #1
jehan60188
203
1
I'm reading about properties of electrons in atoms, and it says an electron's position in an atom can be described by energy level, shape, orientation, and spin
roughly speaking:
the energy level (n) dictates the radius from the nucleus (probability wise)
the shape (l) dictates... the shape of the orbital
the magnetic moment (m_l) dictates the way that shape is oriented (relative to what set of coordinates? I mean "down" isn't towards the center of the earth, I imagine)
and spin, which dictates... what the electron does when passed through a magnetic field?
a charge that spins generates a magnetic field?
the the electron actually rotating about a center axis?

thanks!
 
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  • #2
bump. anything?
 
  • #3
Electrons appear to possesses angular momentum. Whether or not that means that they actually 'spin' is not particularly relevant or meaningful. They interact with other things as if they do spin.

Although, to respond to the detail in your OP about what is 'up' or 'down'. The spinning of the electron seems to depend upon its environment so I guess you could say that it is only 'spinning' when it is actually in an atom and an axis can be defined. That's when the +/-1/2 quantum numbers come into describe the spin. A free electron may behave differently and I'm not sure whether they can be sorted into + and - spin piles. After all, up/down/left/right are not fundamental to an electron that's just hanging there.
 
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1. What is the concept of spin in relation to electrons?

Spin is a fundamental property of electrons that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is often compared to the spinning of a top or a gyroscope, but it is a purely quantum mechanical phenomenon and cannot be fully understood in classical terms.

2. How is the spin of an electron measured?

The spin of an electron can be measured using a variety of methods, such as the Stern-Gerlach experiment or nuclear magnetic resonance. These techniques rely on the interaction between the magnetic moment of the electron and an external magnetic field.

3. Are electrons spinning around an axis like planets around the sun?

No, electrons do not physically spin around an axis like planets. The concept of electron spin is a mathematical abstraction that helps us understand and predict the behavior of electrons in atoms and molecules.

4. Can the spin of an electron be changed?

Yes, the spin of an electron can be changed through interactions with other particles or external forces. This is known as spin dynamics and is crucial for many technological applications, such as magnetic storage devices and quantum computing.

5. How does electron spin affect the properties of materials?

The spin of electrons plays a crucial role in determining the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of materials. For example, the spin of electrons is responsible for the magnetism of certain materials and can be harnessed to create spintronic devices for data storage and processing.

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