Determine Field Gradient of a Stern Gerlach Magnet....

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the field gradient of a Stern-Gerlach magnet, specifically focusing on the separation of spin-up and spin-down silver atoms. The problem includes considerations of average kinetic energy and the setup involving a detector positioned at a certain distance from the magnet.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the interpretation of specific quantities related to motion and distance traveled by atoms in the magnetic field. There is a focus on understanding the reasoning behind the formula used, particularly the terms involving acceleration and time.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided interpretations of the quantities involved, suggesting a clearer understanding of the motion of atoms within and outside the magnet. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the underlying reasoning for the formula's structure.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement, which includes specific parameters such as the length of the magnet and the temperature of the oven. There is an emphasis on understanding the physics concepts without providing direct solutions.

grandpa2390
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Homework Statement



Here is the Problem. I have the Solution but am having trouble understanding parts of it.

1.1. Determine the field gradient of a 50-em-long Stem-Gerlach magnet that would produce a 1-mm separation at the detector between spin-up and spin-down silver atoms that are emitted from an oven at T = 1500 K. Assume the detector (see Fig. 1.1) is located 50 em from the magnet. Note: While the atoms in the oven have average kinetic energy 3kBT j2, the more energetic atoms strike the hole in the oven more frequently. Thus the emitted atoms have average kinetic energy 2kBT, where kB is the Boltzmann constant. The magnetic dipole moment of the silver atom is due to the intrinsic spin of the single electron. Appendix F gives the numerical value of the Bohr magneton, in a convenient form.

Homework Equations


Kinematic Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


The one part I don't understand is this:
?temp_hash=f22fd7ba1bdc435f42600ce1fe9722d1.png


I get that the units work out. But I don't understand why the formula is in this way. particularly the second term that isn't 1/2at^2 but a*t1*t2
 

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Can you interpret the quantity ##a_z \left(\frac{l_1}{v} \right) = a_z t_1##?
 
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TSny said:
Can you interpret the quantity ##a_z \left(\frac{l_1}{v} \right) = a_z t_1##?

As always. I stood stumped about the question for days. when I finally ask for help, it clicks.

the first term is the distance traveled up in the magnets.
the second term is the distance traveled up outside the magnets. there is no acceleration it is just vt where v is the velocity after leaving the magnet and t is the time spent outside of the magnet. : )
 
Yes. Good.
 
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