Changing the spin of an electron

[varadgautam]

Is it possible to change the spin of an electron (or any particle) by supplying some energy to it?

 

[Drakkith]

The spin itself as in changing the 1/2 to 2/2? If so, no. It is not possible. However it is possible to change the direction of the spin, as in changing it from an up spin to a down spin.

 

[varadgautam]

By changing I mean +1/2 to -1/2

 

[Drakkith]

I believe so, as the + and - simply refer to the direction.

 

[robert2734]

Isn't that what a magnetic field does? The initially randomly spinning electrons change their spins to align with the magnetic field.

 

[tom.stoer]

in order to flip a spin you don't necessarily have to supply energy but angular momentum ...