Electron's pole rotation in magnetic field

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of an electron's north pole when it enters a magnetic field. The question asks about the movement of the pole before it becomes stable and the answer is provided by explaining the concept of Larmor precession, which is the rotation of a magnetic dipole in a magnetic field.
  • #1
gespex
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Hello everybody,

I have a (potentially strange) question. Let's say an electron enters a magnetic field; what happens with the north pole of the electron over time? At the end it will obviously be aligned with the magnetic field, but what happens before that time?
For example, would the electron's pole align according to the shortest path to do so, then keep "rotating" (if you can call it that, being a point particle), until the force of the magnetic field rotates it the opposite side again?

Can you describe the movement of the pole before it's stable?


Thanks in advance,
gespex
 
Physics news on Phys.org

1. What is electron's pole rotation in magnetic field?

Electron's pole rotation in magnetic field refers to the phenomenon where the spin of an electron changes its orientation when placed in a magnetic field. This rotation is caused by the interaction between the electron's magnetic moment and the magnetic field.

2. How does the direction of the magnetic field affect electron's pole rotation?

The direction of the magnetic field plays a significant role in the electron's pole rotation. The electron's spin will align itself with the direction of the magnetic field, resulting in either parallel or antiparallel orientation.

3. What is the importance of electron's pole rotation in magnetic field?

Electron's pole rotation in magnetic field is crucial in many fields of science and technology. It is the basis for technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic storage devices like hard drives. It also plays a vital role in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules.

4. Can the speed of electron's pole rotation be changed?

No, the speed of electron's pole rotation cannot be changed. The spin of an electron is an intrinsic property, and it always rotates at a constant speed, known as the gyromagnetic ratio. However, the direction of the rotation can change depending on the external magnetic field.

5. Does electron's pole rotation in magnetic field have any real-world applications?

Yes, electron's pole rotation in magnetic field has various real-world applications. It is used in technologies such as particle accelerators, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and magnetic levitation. It also plays a significant role in studying and understanding the behavior of matter at the atomic and molecular level.

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