How Is Frequency Calculated in the Stern-Gerlach Experiment?

AI Thread Summary
In the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the energy difference between the two beams of silver atoms is calculated using the formula U=μs·B, leading to ΔE = ħ(e/me) for the magnetic moment. The participant expresses concern about their calculation being slightly off from the expected value of the Bohr Magneton, particularly due to a factor of 2 in the denominator and unit discrepancies. For the second part of the problem, they seek guidance on how to find the frequency of radiation that induces a transition between the two states, suspecting it relates to the energy difference. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accurately calculating energy differences to determine the corresponding frequency. Clarification on these calculations is requested to ensure correctness in the approach.
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Homework Statement



I have a Stern-Gerlach experiment with a beam of silver and a magnetic moment due to the spin of the single valence electron give by μ=e/me S. And |S|=ℏ/2. The magnetic field is 1T.

The problem asks to compute the energy difference of the silver atoms in the two existing beams. The second part - which I am really confused on - Next up I am to find the frequency of the radiation that would induce a transition between these two states.

Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



The energy of each beam is U=μs·B

Hence the energy is

E=\pm \frac{1}{2} \hbar \frac{e}{m_e} g B

Therefore ΔE is

E= \frac{1}{2} \hbar \frac{e}{m_e} g B ~+~ \frac{1}{2} \hbar \frac{e}{m_e} g B~=~ \hbar \frac{e}{m_e}

Where g≈2 and B=1 so there is a little cancelling.

My units end up being N·m = J.

I am worried this is wrong. My answer is really close to the Bohr Magneton. It is off by a 2 in the denominator and my units aren't quite right. So I guess first off, did I proceed correctly so far?

If that is correct, how does one even begin the second half? With no quantized energies I don't know where to start.
 
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I'm assuming it involves the energy difference, but I'm not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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