Madam Wu's Experiment: Exploring Electron Behaviour in a Magnetic Field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Madam Wu's experiment, specifically focusing on the behavior of electrons in a magnetic field and the implications for parity violation. Participants are examining the distribution of electron spins in relation to the magnetic field direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why more electrons are not aligned with the direction of the magnetic field, suggesting a discrepancy in expected outcomes.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the figures referenced and suggests a possible error in the representation of electron spin.
  • A participant reiterates the concern about parity violation, questioning the observed distribution of electrons and why more are found in the opposite direction of the magnetic field.
  • There is a discussion about the statistical equivalence of spins in different directions, with one participant noting that for individual atoms, only the spin is relevant.
  • Participants reference a figure multiple times to support their points, indicating a reliance on visual data for clarification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the experimental results and the implications for parity violation. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the behavior of electrons in the magnetic field.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific figures that are not visible in the discussion, which may limit understanding of the claims made. The discussion also highlights assumptions about spin and parity that are not fully explored.

LagrangeEuler
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Why in Madam Wu experiment more electrons are not in direction of magnetic field? See Fig. Why there is not four electrons in the direction of magnetic field and two in oposite direction?
 

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Which figure do you mean? And where does the image come from?

They might have gotten the spin wrong in the second picture. Not sure what that is supposed to be.
 
I attached the Fig. Yes but if there is more electrons in the direction of field it will be also parity violation. My question is why there is more electrons in the oposite direction?
 
LagrangeEuler said:
I attached the Fig.
Well, the image has 4 figures in it.
LagrangeEuler said:
Yes but if there is more electrons in the direction of field it will be also parity violation.
More spins point in the direction of the magnetic field, so in terms of statistics, both things are the same. For individual atoms, only the spin matters.
 
See Fig a)
 

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