What is the eigenvalue of angular momentum? (Zeeman)

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, where the most crucial calculation is the expectation value of ##L_z + 2S_z##, which is equal to ##J_z + S_z##. The conversation also talks about finding the Zeeman Effect for the state ##(2p)^2##, which corresponds to ##l=1##. The question arises about the value of ##m##, which is the eigenvalue of ##J_z## and is equal to ##l + m_s = \frac{3}{2}##. However, using this value of ##m## gives incorrect Gordon-Clebsch coefficients. The correct form is determined to be adding orbital angular momentum ##(l=1
  • #1
unscientific
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Homework Statement



In the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, the most important calculation is

[tex]\langle L_z + 2S_z \rangle = \langle J_z + S_z\rangle[/tex]

Suppose we want to find the Zeeman Effect for ##(2p)^2##, meaning ##l=1##.

In Sakurai's book,

ZGH5T.png


My question is, what is ##m##? They say that ##m## is the eigenvalue of ##J_z##, meaning ##J_z = l + m_s = \frac{3}{2}## in this case.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Using ##m = \frac{3}{2}##, it gives the wrong Gordon-Clebsch coefficients.

I have worked out the correct form, which is adding orbital angular momentum ##(l=1)## to its spin ##(\pm\frac{1}{2})##

[tex]|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}|1,1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}|1,0\rangle|+\rangle[/tex]
 
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  • #2
unscientific said:

Homework Statement



In the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, the most important calculation is

[tex]\langle L_z + 2S_z \rangle = \langle J_z + S_z\rangle[/tex]

Suppose we want to find the Zeeman Effect for ##(2p)^2##, meaning ##l=1##.

In Sakurai's book,

ZGH5T.png


My question is, what is ##m##? They say that ##m## is the eigenvalue of ##J_z##, meaning ##J_z = l + m_s = \frac{3}{2}## in this case.
Why do you assume ##m_l=l##?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Using ##m = \frac{3}{2}##, it gives the wrong Gordon-Clebsch coefficients.

I have worked out the correct form, which is adding orbital angular momentum ##(l=1)## to its spin ##(\pm\frac{1}{2})##

[tex]|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}|1,1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}|1,0\rangle|+\rangle[/tex]
 
  • #3
vela said:
Why do you assume ##m_l=l##?

my biggest problem is, they say that the eigenvalue of ##J_z## is ##m##, but then ##m = \frac{1}{2}## gives the correct gordon-clebsch coefficients. Does this mean that ##J_z = \frac{1}{2}##? But isn't ##J_z## the TOTAL angular momentum? Shouldn't it be ##J_z = l + s = \frac{3}{2}##?
 
  • #4
##J_z## is the z-component of the total angular momentum. It can take on any value from ##j## to ##-j##. According to the rules about adding angular momenta, ##j## can take on any value from ##l+s## to ##\lvert l-s \rvert##.
 
  • #5
you seem to be confusing l with ml and s with ms. If l = 1 than ml = -1, 0, 1 are all possible, and if s = 1/2 than ms = +1/2 and -1/2 are possible. m = ml + ms
 
  • #6
dauto said:
you seem to be confusing l with ml and s with ms. If l = 1 than ml = -1, 0, 1 are all possible, and if s = 1/2 than ms = +1/2 and -1/2 are possible. m = ml + ms

If that's the case, then for ##l=1## and ##m_s = 1##:

[tex]|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1 - (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1 + (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|0\rangle|+\rangle[/tex]

These coefficients are wrong.
 
  • #7
For j = 3/2, l = 1, and m = 1/2 I'm getting

|j,m> = |3/2,1/2> = |1+1/2,1/2> = [(l+m+1/2)/(2l+1)]1/2|m-1/2,1/2> + [(l-m+1/2)/(2l+1)]1/2|m+1/2,-1/2>
|j,m> = [(1+1/2+1/2)/(2*1+1)]1/2|1/2-1/2,1/2> + [(1-1/2+1/2)/(2*1+1)]1/2|1/2+1/2,-1/2>
|j,m> = (2/3)1/2|0,1/2> + (1/3)1/2|1,-1/2>
|3/2,1/2> = (2/3)1/2|1,0>|+> + (1/3)1/2|1,1>|->
 
  • #8
unscientific said:
If that's the case, then for ##l=1## and ##m_s = 1##:

[tex]|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1 - (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1 + (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|0\rangle|+\rangle[/tex]

These coefficients are wrong.
For the state ##\left\lvert \frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2} \right\rangle##, you have ##j=3/2## and ##m=1/2##. In your expression for the coefficients, you're using ##m=3/2##, which is why they're not coming out right.
 
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  • #9
vela said:
For the state ##\left\lvert \frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2} \right\rangle##, you have ##j=3/2## and ##m=1/2##. In your expression for the coefficients, you're using ##m=3/2##, which is why they're not coming out right.

Damn, I should have been more careful. Thanks alot!
 

1. What is the definition of eigenvalue in the context of angular momentum?

The eigenvalue of angular momentum is a numerical value that represents the amount of angular momentum possessed by a quantum state. It is a characteristic of the state and is obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation for the angular momentum operator.

2. How is the eigenvalue of angular momentum related to the Zeeman effect?

The Zeeman effect is the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field. The eigenvalue of angular momentum plays a crucial role in this effect, as it determines the energy levels of the atoms and the resulting spectral line patterns.

3. Can the eigenvalue of angular momentum be negative?

Yes, the eigenvalue of angular momentum can be negative. In quantum mechanics, the eigenvalues of operators can take on any value, including negative values.

4. How is the eigenvalue of angular momentum measured in experiments?

The eigenvalue of angular momentum cannot be directly measured in experiments. However, its effects can be observed through the Zeeman effect or other experiments involving the manipulation of angular momentum states.

5. How does the eigenvalue of angular momentum affect the behavior of particles?

The eigenvalue of angular momentum determines the energy levels and allowed transitions of particles. It also affects their magnetic properties and interactions with external magnetic fields, as seen in the Zeeman effect.

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