Does Hydrogen's one electron spin?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of electron spin, particularly in relation to hydrogen's single electron and its potential relationship with quarks. Participants explore the nature of electron spin, its intrinsic qualities, and the distinctions between different types of fundamental particles, such as leptons and quarks. The conversation touches on theoretical implications and the challenges of reconciling classical and quantum perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that hydrogen's single electron could be stationary due to the absence of other electrons, but others argue that quantum mechanics prohibits localization of electrons.
  • A participant questions whether electron spin occurs purely due to quarks, prompting further clarification on the nature of spin and its intrinsic qualities.
  • There is a distinction made between leptons and quarks, with one participant noting that electrons are leptons and not made of quarks, while quarks are constituents of hadrons.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the questions raised, indicating a need for further exploration and reading on the topic.
  • References to external sources are made, though the reliability and relevance of these sources are questioned by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of electron spin or its relationship to quarks. Multiple competing views and uncertainties remain regarding the fundamental aspects of these particles.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of reconciling classical electromagnetic views with quantum mechanics, and some express limitations in their understanding of probabilistic models related to electron behavior.

Moviemann345
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Elements with multiple electrons seem to push themselves around the nucleus due to their polar resistance with other electrons.. So in theory, with no other electrons to push into, could hydrogen's one electron be stationary
 
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Moviemann345 said:
Elements with multiple electrons seem to push themselves around the nucleus due to their polar resistance with other electrons.. So in theory, with no other electrons to push into, could hydrogen's one electron be stationary

Nope, you still have those pesky "smears", and electrons can't be localized, never mind made stationary. I think you're mixing Classical E&M with the QM view, but there are brighter minds here with far more knowledge, and I am not a physicist.

BTW, Welcome to PF!
 
Thanks, and yeah i guess your right. I am going to rephrase: Does electron spin occur purely due to quarks? If so, how?
 
^^^actually i don't think that's a good question either. Ugh i need to look back into this.
 
Moviemann345 said:
Thanks, and yeah i guess your right. I am going to rephrase: Does electron spin occur purely due to quarks? If so, how?

What kind of spin are you thinking of? Intrinsic spin, in the quantum sense, I'm assuming, right?

As for how quarks contribute to this, it's definitely not a settled issue. It may be that the interaction of the 3 quarks which form Fermions is all that is needed, but there are theories which include surrounding quarks and gluon field. I don't believe there is a single answer, beyond the notion that this is an intrinsic quality that has no 100% Classical analogy.

This is probably more helpful than I can be: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin_(physics )
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Moviemann345 said:
^^^actually i don't think that's a good question either. Ugh i need to look back into this.

No, that's a VERY good question, it's just not one with an answer yet. I think if you do a bit of reading on this, you're going to find it somewhat intuitive. Most people struggle with the notion of probablistic "smears", but you took that in stride. I would also add again, that I am no expert, but here to learn as well. Given a bit of time, an advisor will probably add their 2 cents, which is worth significantly more than mine! :smile:
 
Moviemann345 said:
Does electron spin occur purely due to quarks?

Electrons aren't made of quarks. Hadrons (protons, neutrons, pions, etc.) are made of quarks.

Electrons are leptons, which also includes muons, taus, and neutrinos. As far as we know, leptons are indivisible fundamental particles, just like quarks are.
 
"Theorethical brocken pieces" :rolleyes:
 
  • #10
jtbell said:
"Theorethical brocken pieces" :rolleyes:

Yeah, it turns out that my head can spin too, given the proper motivation. Did you notice that it's been the definitive answer for TWO YEARS?!
 

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