- #1
Zoey
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Just curious. Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks!
Is Electron Spin always Well Balanced?
- Thread starter Zoey
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a "well balanced" electron and its magnetic moment. It is noted that the observed magnetic moment is double what is expected, and this is significant in the interaction of atoms with external magnetic fields. The term "electron spin" is also mentioned, but it is clarified that this is not to be taken literally in a classical sense.
- #2
jtbell
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Just curious. 
What do you mean by "well balanced"?
What do you mean by "well balanced"?- #3
Zoey
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Hi,jtbell said:Just curious.
I just mean like not randomly going all over the place. So basically like if they are steady or not :)
- #4
Matthew Smith
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As the electron displays an intrinsic angular momentum, you might expect a magnetic moment which follows the form of that for an electron orbit. The Z-component of magnetic moment associated with the electron spin would then be expected to be, but, the measured value turns out to be actually about twice as that. The electron spin magnetic moment is important in the spin-orbit interaction which splits atomic energy levels and gives rise to fine structure in the spectra of atoms. The electron spin magnetic moment is also a factor in the interaction of atoms with external magnetic fields (look for Zeeman effect). The term "electron spin" could not to be taken literally in the classical sense as a description of the origin of the magnetic moment described above. To be sure, a spinning sphere of charge can produce a magnetic moment, but the magnitude of the magnetic moment obtained above cannot be reasonably modeled by considering the electron as a spinning sphere.Zoey said:
1. What is electron spin?
Electron spin is a quantum mechanical property of particles, specifically electrons, that describes the intrinsic angular momentum of the particle. It is a fundamental property of particles and cannot be changed or altered.
2. Is electron spin always well balanced?
No, electron spin is not always well balanced. In an isolated atom or molecule, the total spin is usually well balanced due to the pairing of electrons in orbitals. However, in more complex systems such as molecules with unpaired electrons or in magnetic fields, the electron spin may not be well balanced.
3. How is electron spin measured?
Electron spin can be measured using a technique called electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. This involves applying a magnetic field to a sample and then using radio frequency radiation to excite the electrons and measure the energy changes associated with their spin states.
4. Can electron spin be manipulated?
Yes, electron spin can be manipulated using techniques such as magnetic fields and spin-polarized currents. This has important applications in fields such as quantum computing and spintronics.
5. What is the significance of electron spin?
The significance of electron spin lies in its role in determining the electronic and magnetic properties of materials. It also plays a crucial role in various physical phenomena such as magnetism and chemical bonding. Understanding electron spin has led to advancements in technology and has implications in fields such as quantum computing and nanotechnology.
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