Exchange symmetry when adding angular momentum and in LS coupling?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the exchange symmetry of angular momentum states when combining two angular momentum states, particularly in the context of LS coupling for electrons. Participants explore the implications of symmetry on the total angular momentum states and the conditions under which certain states can exist.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that when adding two angular momentum states, the highest total angular momentum states (L = l1 + l2) are symmetric under particle interchange, while states with L = l1 + l2 - 1 are anti-symmetric, with symmetry alternating until reaching L = l1 - l2.
  • It is proposed that to maintain a fermionic overall state for two electrons under LS coupling, symmetric total orbital angular momentum states must be combined with anti-symmetric total spin angular momentum states, and vice versa.
  • Another participant points out that the issue of symmetry arises only when electrons occupy orbitals from the same subshell, suggesting that both symmetric and anti-symmetric functions can be formed with L = 1 in mixed subshell cases.
  • A later reply questions the reasoning behind the subshell condition and seeks clarification on how the proposed linear combinations are confirmed as eigenstates of the total orbital angular momentum.
  • One participant provides a clarification regarding the addition of angular momentum, stating that s corresponds to l1=0 and p to l2=1, leading to total L = |l1-l2|...l1+l2 = l2, and compares cases of different subshell configurations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which certain angular momentum states can exist, particularly regarding subshell occupancy and the implications for symmetry. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions about subshell occupancy and the definitions of symmetry in angular momentum states. There are unresolved questions regarding the eigenstate status of the proposed linear combinations.

CrimsonFlash
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When you add two angular momentum states together, you get states which have exchange symmetry i.e. the highest total angular momentum states (L = l1 + l2) will be symmetric under the interchange of the two particles, (L = l1 + l2 - 1) would be anti-symmetric...and the symmetry under exchange will alternate until we reach the states with (L = l1 - l2).
If this is all correct, then in order to keep the overall state for two electrons fermionic under LS coupling, we can only combine symmetric total orbital angular momentum states with anti-symmetric total spin angular momentum states (and vice-versa). This page pretty much sums up what I'm trying to say http://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node322.html

But this would mean we can't have states such as:
3s3p 3P1 as L = 1 (symmetric) and S = 1 (also symmetric)
However, my lecture notes use this state as an example to show the effect of residual electrostatic Hamiltonian splitting. So what's wrong?
 
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This problem only occurs if the electrons occupy orbitals from the same subshell (e.g. both 3p). In your case, you can form both symmetric (3s(1)3p(2)+3s(2)3p(1)) and anti-symmetric functions (3s(1)3p(2)+3s(2)3p(1)) with L=1.
 
DrDu said:
This problem only occurs if the electrons occupy orbitals from the same subshell (e.g. both 3p). In your case, you can form both symmetric (3s(1)3p(2)+3s(2)3p(1)) and anti-symmetric functions (3s(1)3p(2)+3s(2)3p(1)) with L=1.
Why does the problem only occur if we have the same subshell? Also, how do we know that these linear combinations that your wrote are eigenstates of the total orbital angular momentum?

Thanks!
 
The second point is rather trivial. s corresponds to l1=0, and p to l2=1, adding you get the total L=|l1-l2|...l1+l2=l2.
For the first point compare instead ##3p^2## with e.g. ##2p3p##. In the first case you have less states available, as there is only one states where m1=m2 while there are two in the other case.
 

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