Larmor Frequency spin, orbital or total angular momentum?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Larmor Frequency and its relation to angular momentum in electrons, specifically addressing whether it pertains to spin, orbital, or total angular momentum. It is established that for an electron bound in an atom, the total angular momentum (denoted as J) precesses around the applied magnetic field (B) at the Larmor Frequency. The confusion arises from the distinction between the precession of orbital angular momentum (L) and spin angular momentum, with the consensus being that it is the total angular momentum that exhibits this behavior in both bound and free electrons.

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  • Knowledge of angular momentum concepts: spin and orbital
  • Familiarity with magnetic fields and their effects on particles
  • Basic principles of quantum mechanics and electron behavior
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Master J
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Larmor Frequency...spin, orbital or total angular momentum??

For an electron bound in an atom, its orbital angular momentum L precesses around the magnetic field applied B, at the Larmor Frequency...or is it that its TOTAL L precesses around
B, while L precesses around this, and its spin angular momentum around L?? Are these precessions all at the same Larmor Frequency??


For a FREE electron, in a magnetic field, will its SPIN angular momentum do the same,that is, precess around B, also at the Larmor Frequency?

I am a bit confused as I have seen the precession and Larmor Frequency refer to all of the above cases.

Hope someone can clear this up.

Thanks!
 
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It is the total angular momentum ##J## of the electron that will precess around B.
 

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