Larmor Frequency spin, orbital or total angular momentum?

The orbital angular momentum ##L## will precess around B, while the spin angular momentum ##S## will precess around L. These precessions all occur at the same Larmor Frequency. This also applies to a free electron in a magnetic field, where the spin angular momentum ##S## will precess around B at the Larmor Frequency. In summary, for an electron bound in an atom or a free electron in a magnetic field, the total angular momentum ##J## will precess at the Larmor Frequency, with the orbital angular momentum ##L## and spin angular momentum ##S## precessing around it.
  • #1
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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  • #2
It is the total angular momentum ##J## of the electron that will precess around B.
 

1. What is the Larmor Frequency?

The Larmor Frequency is the frequency at which an object with a magnetic moment precesses around a magnetic field. It is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the magnetic moment.

2. How is the Larmor Frequency related to spin, orbital, and total angular momentum?

The Larmor Frequency is related to spin, orbital, and total angular momentum through the gyromagnetic ratio. This ratio is a constant that relates the Larmor Frequency to the angular momentum of the object.

3. What is the difference between spin and orbital angular momentum?

Spin angular momentum refers to the intrinsic angular momentum of an object, such as an electron, while orbital angular momentum refers to the angular momentum of an object in motion around an axis. They are both types of angular momentum that contribute to the Larmor Frequency.

4. How does the Larmor Frequency affect NMR and MRI imaging?

In NMR and MRI imaging, the Larmor Frequency is used to measure the precession of atomic nuclei in a magnetic field. By manipulating the Larmor Frequency, scientists can gather information about the chemical and physical properties of a substance and create detailed images of the internal structures of objects.

5. Can the Larmor Frequency be changed?

Yes, the Larmor Frequency can be changed by altering the strength of the magnetic field or by changing the gyromagnetic ratio of the object. This can be done through the use of different types of magnets or by manipulating the properties of the object itself.

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