Direction of electron's total magnetic dipole moment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the direction of the electron's total magnetic dipole moment in relation to its total angular momentum vector, which is the sum of the orbital angular momentum (L) and the spin angular momentum (S). Participants explore the implications of various magnetic dipole moments and their orientations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the electron's total magnetic dipole moment points oppositely to the total angular momentum vector (J = L + S), based on the orientations of the spin and orbital magnetic dipole moments.
  • Another participant expresses confusion and asks for clarification regarding the direction of the dipole moment, referencing a Wikipedia entry that seems to contradict the initial claim.
  • A later reply questions whether the quantity Gj is negative, indicating uncertainty about its implications for the direction of the magnetic dipole moment.
  • Another participant raises a general question about why the displacement vector for dipole moments is taken from negative to positive, suggesting a broader conceptual confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the direction of the magnetic dipole moment relative to the angular momentum vector, with multiple competing views and ongoing confusion expressed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions and orientations of the magnetic dipole moments and angular momentum vectors, as well as the implications of the quantity Gj.

wumple
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Hi,

What direction does the electron's total magnetic dipole moment point relative to it's total angular momentum vector L+S? It seems to me that it would point oppositely to J=L+S since the spin magnetic dipole moment and the orbital magnetic dipole moment are both opposite to L and S, but this wikipedia entry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_magnetic_dipole_moment#Total_magnetic_dipole_moment

seems to indicate otherwise. What am I missing?
 
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wumple said:
Hi,

What direction does the electron's total magnetic dipole moment point relative to it's total angular momentum vector L+S? It seems to me that it would point oppositely to J=L+S since the spin magnetic dipole moment and the orbital magnetic dipole moment are both opposite to L and S, but this wikipedia entry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_magnetic_dipole_moment#Total_magnetic_dipole_moment

seems to indicate otherwise. What am I missing?

Read it again.
 
netheril96 said:
Read it again.

Is Gj negative? I'm not seeing it...sorry!
 
hi
Dear frindz i am confused about direction of dipole moment.why we take displacement vector from negative towards positive?
 

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