Magnetic moment is an intrinsic property of elementary particles?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of the magnetic moment as an intrinsic property of elementary particles, particularly focusing on whether its origin can be explained or calculated from first principles. Participants explore the differences in calculating magnetic moments for elementary fermions versus composite hadrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the magnetic moment of elementary particles can be derived from first principles or if it is merely an intrinsic property akin to mass.
  • One participant notes that while the magnetic moment of elementary fermions like electrons can be calculated, the magnetic moment of composite hadrons is significantly more complex due to their nature as bound QCD states.
  • Another participant provides a formula for the magnetic moment of elementary fermions, indicating that it is dependent on the spin and a calculable factor from quantum electrodynamics (QED).
  • There is a challenge regarding the interpretation of intrinsic angular momentum and its relation to magnetic moment, with a focus on the implications of the electron's charge size being zero.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the ability to calculate magnetic moments from first principles, with some asserting that it is possible for elementary fermions while others contest this notion, particularly in relation to composite particles. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the fundamental nature and origin of magnetic moments.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the complexity of calculating magnetic moments for composite particles and the reliance on experimental evidence to support claims about intrinsic properties.

cks
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My question is stated in the title. I wonder is it that scientists are not able to explain the origin of magnetic moment of elementary particles and say that it's an intrinsic property just like mass.
 
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I mean, magnetic moment of a current loop is the integration of current over vector dA. but the magnetic moment of elementary particle can only be measured by experiment, but cannot found by calculation?
 
cks said:
My question is stated in the title. I wonder is it that scientists are not able to explain the origin of magnetic moment of elementary particles and say that it's an intrinsic property just like mass.

The magnetic moment of elementary fermions such as electrons is calculable from first principles ; however, the magnetic moment of composed hadrons is much harder to calculate from first principles as it is a complicated bound QCD state.

Edit:

for an elementary fermion, the magnetic moment is given by:

g e hbar / (2 m0) x spin

where g is a calculable number in QED, which equals 2 in tree approximation, and which takes on higher-order calculations when taking into account loop diagrams.
 
Last edited:
Thank you very much.
 
In fact it is not a calculation from first principles.
The intrinsic angular momentum of the electron pops from the Dirac Equation. The relation of this to the magnetic momentum is another thing. If you argue that any spinning charge have magnetic momentum I must to ask you the size of the charge, which we now is zero. The connection is an experimental fact. The QED calculations starts from the fact there are such connection.
 

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