A Question on Spinors in a High school textbook

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the concept of spinors, particularly in the context of rotational motion as presented in a high school textbook. Spinors are mathematical objects used in quantum mechanics and relativity, representing states of particles with intrinsic angular momentum. The specific question referenced involves a diagram (8-13) that illustrates a spinor, prompting a request for a clear and comprehensible definition suitable for high school students. Understanding spinors is essential for grasping advanced topics in physics, especially those related to quantum mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of rotational motion
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Knowledge of mathematical objects in physics
  • Introduction to relativity principles
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical definition of spinors in quantum mechanics
  • Explore visualizations of spinors and their applications in physics
  • Study the relationship between spinors and angular momentum
  • Learn about the role of spinors in the theory of relativity
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching advanced high school physics, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics and relativity.

Falgun
Messages
77
Reaction score
45
TL;DR
Question from Resnick Halliday Krane Chapter 8: Rotational kinematics
While revising Rotational motion, I came across a qualitative question which blew me away. Meaning I couldn't even understand the question let alone answer it😅. It has to do with these objects called spinors which as I understand are evoked in quantum mechanics and Relativity. I am attaching the question so kindly go through it. It would be really helpful if you could give me a rough idea of what spinors are. If you could throw in a visualisation or gif then even better. It's question no. 9 .
 

Attachments

  • 16385085644098893190043023343324.jpg
    16385085644098893190043023343324.jpg
    70.9 KB · Views: 126
  • 16385086284504281185731399793704.jpg
    16385086284504281185731399793704.jpg
    36.6 KB · Views: 144
Physics news on Phys.org
The spinor in tnis case is shown in the diagram. It's not directly related to QM.
 
So what exactly is a spinor? Like can you give me a definition which would be comprehensible to me at this stage?
 
Falgun said:
So what exactly is a spinor? Like can you give me a definition which would be comprehensible to me at this stage?
The problem deals with the object in diagram 8-13. For the purposes of this exercise, that is the definition of a spinor.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
575
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K