Is the Lorentz force quantized at the atomic level?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the Lorentz force at the atomic level, specifically whether it is quantized and how it interacts with quantum particles in electromagnetic fields. The scope includes theoretical considerations and implications for quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the Lorentz force occurs at the atomic level.
  • Another participant affirms that the Lorentz force does occur at this scale.
  • A further inquiry is made about the existence of a quantized unit for the Lorentz force.
  • One participant clarifies that while the Lorentz force itself is not quantized, the orbital energies of electrons in atoms are quantized, particularly in the context of a hydrogen atom in a magnetic field.
  • The participant explains that the magnetic field can cause splitting of these quantized orbital energies, leading to observable effects such as the Zeeman effect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a mix of agreement and uncertainty. While some participants agree that the Lorentz force exists at the atomic level, there is no consensus on whether it has a quantized unit, as the discussion reveals differing interpretations of quantization in this context.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions of quantization and the specific conditions under which the Lorentz force is considered in quantum mechanics. The implications of the magnetic field on quantized energy levels are also noted but not fully resolved.

nuby
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Does the lorentz force occur at the atomic level?
 
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Does it have a quantized unit?
 
nuby said:
Does it have a quantized unit?
What do you mean by quantized unit? If you asking about the quantum version of the Lorentz force, it is treated just as any other force in quantum theory.

You can begin with a quantum particle in a classical electromagnetic field.

Say take a Hydrogen atom in a uniform magnetic field. There is the Coulomb force pulling the electron toward the nucleus. If the electron orbits one way round then the Lorentz force will pull it a bit closer to the atom, if it orbits the other way around then the Lorentz force will pull the electron a bit farther from the atom.

The force isn't quantized but the orbital energies of the electron are.

What happens then is that the magnetic field splits the quantized orbital energies. You see this manifest as line splitting in the spectrum aka the Zeeman effect.
 

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