Do atomic nuclei transfer momentum to electron orbitals?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between protons' spin and its potential effects on the electromagnetic field and electron orbitals, particularly in the context of atomic structure, such as in hydrogen atoms. Participants explore whether the angular momentum of protons can create electromagnetic wave-packets that influence electronic orbital energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that protons' gyroscopic nature may create electromagnetic ripples that affect electronic orbital energy.
  • Another participant questions the initial claim, seeking clarification and references to better understand the concept.
  • A third participant provides links to Wikipedia articles on spin and electromagnetic radiation, suggesting that the term 'gyroscopic' may not be appropriate for describing intrinsic spin.
  • There is a clarification that intrinsic spin does not imply that particles like protons are literally spinning in a classical sense.
  • One participant asserts that spin angular momentum is not caused by acceleration, indicating a distinction between classical and quantum descriptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and remains unresolved, particularly regarding the implications of proton spin on electromagnetic fields and electron orbitals.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about terminology and the physical implications of spin, indicating a need for clearer definitions and understanding of the concepts involved.

Vectronix
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Do protons' inherent gyroscopic nature produce progressive ripples in the electromagnetic field? If so, then is there an ensemble of transverse electromagnetic undulations arising from the proton's angular momentum that contribute to electronic orbital energy in, say, a hydrogen atom? If these electromagnetic wave-packets exist between the nucleus and the electron orbitals, does it have the same effect as the classical notion of the electrostatic field?
 
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Vectronix said:
Do protons' inherent gyroscopic nature produce progressive ripples in the electromagnetic field?

I don't know what you mean by this. Can you give a reference that describes what you are talking about?
 
Vectronix said:
Maybe 'gyroscopic' is the wrong word?

For the intrinsic spin of particles like protons, yes, it is. This spin is not because the particle is a little ball spinning around.

Vectronix said:
Is this spin angular momentum considered to be caused by an acceleration?

No.
 

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