Electron Clebsch-Gordon coefficients

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the Clebsch-Gordon coefficients in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the state of an electron represented as a superposition of two states: |l=2, m=0> ⊗ |up> and |l=2, m=1> ⊗ |down>. The goal is to choose constants a and b such that the combined state |Psi> is an eigenstate of the operators L², S², J², and Jz. Participants clarify that the wavefunction describes a superposition of spin states and emphasize the importance of understanding how these operators act on the given state.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of angular momentum operators (L², S², J², Jz)
  • Clebsch-Gordon coefficients and their application
  • Concept of superposition in quantum states
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the action of angular momentum operators on quantum states
  • Learn about Clebsch-Gordon coefficients and their role in combining angular momentum states
  • Explore eigenstates and eigenvalues in quantum mechanics
  • Review superposition principles in quantum systems
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists working with angular momentum, and anyone studying the properties of electron states in quantum systems.

Mastern00b
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Homework Statement
The state of an electron is,

|Psi> =a|l =2, m=0> ⊗ |up> + Psi =a|l =2, m=1> ⊗ |down>,

a and b are constants with |a|2 + |b|2 = 1
choose a and b such that |Psi> is an eigenstate of the following operators: L2, S2, J2 and Jz.
The attempt at a solution

I am really not sure where to start on this, i have tried reading through previous threads on the coefficients and i am still confused.

For a start does the statement above mean that the wavefunction describes both a spin up and spin down arrangement, both of which are possible at any time? And do i need to treat this as two particles, one spin up and one spin down?
 
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Anyone got any ideas that could help?
 
It simply means that your electron is in a superposition between two states, one which has orbital angular momentum 2 with orbital angular momentum z-component 0 and spin up and another which has orbital angular momentum 2, orbital angular momentum z-component 1, and spin down. Your task is to adjust the linear combination such that the resulting state is an eigenstate of the list of operators.

As a first step, do you know how these operators act on this state?
 

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