- #1
Zoey
- 24
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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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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of electron spin and whether it can be considered "well balanced" in terms of its behavior and magnetic properties. Participants explore the nature of electron spin, its intrinsic angular momentum, and its implications in atomic interactions, particularly in relation to magnetic moments and external magnetic fields.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the meaning of "well balanced" in the context of electron spin.
- One participant suggests that "well balanced" refers to the steadiness of electron spin rather than random fluctuations.
- Another participant explains that the electron has an intrinsic angular momentum, leading to a magnetic moment that is measured to be approximately twice what classical models would predict.
- It is noted that the electron spin magnetic moment plays a significant role in spin-orbit interactions, which affect atomic energy levels and fine structure in atomic spectra.
- There is a clarification that the term "electron spin" should not be interpreted in a classical sense, as the behavior of the electron cannot be accurately modeled as a spinning sphere of charge.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express curiosity and seek clarification on the concept of electron spin, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of "well balanced" or the implications of electron spin behavior.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the complexity of modeling electron spin and its magnetic properties, indicating that classical interpretations may not adequately capture the phenomena involved.
- #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:
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