- #1
LitleBang
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Does anyone now what kind of experiment they used to determine that the electron is a dipole?
Undergrad Determining Electron Dipole: Experiments & Results
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The discussion centers on the determination of the electron's dipole characteristics, highlighting the Stern-Gerlach experiment conducted in 1923, which demonstrated the quantum nature of the electron's magnetic dipole moment linked to its spin. The conversation also touches on the concept of electric dipoles, with references to theoretical developments by Uhlenbeck and Goudsmit in 1925, and Dirac's contributions in 1928 that provided a foundation for understanding electron spin and its implications for atomic spectra. Various experimental techniques are mentioned, including those involving spectral analysis and isolated electrons. The thread suggests a potential relocation to a quantum physics forum for more focused discussion. Overall, the exploration of electron dipoles encompasses both experimental evidence and theoretical advancements in quantum mechanics.
- #2
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It's the Stern-Gerlach experiment performed in Frankfurt am Main in 1923 by Stern and Gerlach with a fundamental result showing the quantum nature of the electron's magnetic dipole moment (related to its spin). So one should move this thread to the quantum forum.
- #3
BvU
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- #4
phyzguy
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The idea that the electron has spin and consequently a magnetic moment was initially proposed to explain details of atomic spectra. According to Wikipedia,
"The idea of a spin angular momentum was first proposed in a 1925 publication by George Uhlenbeck and Samuel Goudsmit to explain hyperfine splitting in atomic spectra.[n 3] In 1928, Paul Dirac provided a rigorous theoretical foundation for the concept in the Dirac equation for the wavefunction of the electron.[n 4]"
Now, there are many techniques that are used, some involving spectra and some involving isolated electrons, like this link.
"The idea of a spin angular momentum was first proposed in a 1925 publication by George Uhlenbeck and Samuel Goudsmit to explain hyperfine splitting in atomic spectra.[n 3] In 1928, Paul Dirac provided a rigorous theoretical foundation for the concept in the Dirac equation for the wavefunction of the electron.[n 4]"
Now, there are many techniques that are used, some involving spectra and some involving isolated electrons, like this link.
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