Can Electrons Change Spin Sign?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the possibility of an electron changing the sign of its spin under certain interactions, particularly in the context of the Ising model. Participants explore the nature of electron spin and its components, as well as the implications for measurement probabilities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Ori questions whether an electron can change the sign of its spin through interactions, referencing the Ising model's assumptions.
  • Some participants clarify that while the spin of the electron is always 1/2, its components can change, such as the z component switching between -1/2 and 1/2.
  • There is a mention of the probability of measuring the spin as either 1/2 or -1/2 being 50-50, depending on the system.
  • One participant notes that the probability of measuring the spin states is contingent on the specific system being considered.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of electron spin and its measurement probabilities, but there is no consensus on the implications of these points for the original question about changing spin sign.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of changing spin components or the specific conditions under which such changes might occur, leaving these aspects open for further exploration.

o_neg
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Hi,

Is it possible for an electron to change the sign of its spin (under some interaction)?

i saw that some of the calculations in the Ising model assumes that the electron is changing its spin sign if it reduce the energy of interaction with its neighbors


Thanks,
Ori.
 
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o_neg said:
Hi,

Is it possible for an electron to change the sign of its spin (under some interaction)?

i saw that some of the calculations in the Ising model assumes that the electron is changing its spin sign if it reduce the energy of interaction with its neighbors


Thanks,
Ori.
The spin of the electron is always 1/2. What can change is a component of the spin along some axis. For example, the z component of the spin can change from -1/2 to 1/2 or vice versa through interactions.
 
nrqed said:
The spin of the electron is always 1/2. What can change is a component of the spin along some axis. For example, the z component of the spin can change from -1/2 to 1/2 or vice versa through interactions.

Thats make more sense to me , Thanks.
 
I agree with nrged + Probability of getting 1/2 or -1/2 at the time of continuous measurement is 1/2 . I mean 50-50 :)
 
SuperStringboy said:
I agree with nrged + Probability of getting 1/2 or -1/2 at the time of continuous measurement is 1/2 . I mean 50-50 :)

That'd depend entirely on the system.
 

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