Why Does Neutron Precess Despite q=0?

In summary, the magnetic moment of a neutron is (gq/2m)J, but this does not explain why it precesses in a magnetic field if q=0. However, the presence of charged quarks in the neutron, unlike the elementary electron, allows for the interference pattern caused by a 2pi rotation, which explains the precession. The formula (gq/2m)J is a classical oversimplification, and the actual magnetic moment is written as (mu)e/2m, with mu being +2.79 for the proton and -1.91 for the neutron. This suggests that quark charge plays a significant role in the motion of a neutron in a magnetic field. The article cited
  • #1
joex444
44
0
We all know that the magnetic moment is (gq/2m)J, so then why does a neutron precess in a magnetic field if q=0? This should cause the Hamiltonian to be 0.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
neutrons precess in a magnetic field?
neutrons aren't even stable alone... can you elaborate on the background?
 
  • #3
Hmm... ok, so I think I figured it out. Even though it is uncharged, it has charged quarks. Unlike the electron, neutrons aren't elementary so I can't think of them in that way. This explains why it does precess, as my paper indicates you can actually observe the interfence pattern caused by a 2pi rotation (which introduces the new wavefunction to be the negative of the original).
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Your formula (gq/2m)J is a classical oversimplification. For neutral (or charged) particles,
the magnetic moment is written as (mu)e/2m, where e is the magnitude of the electron charge, and e/2m (the nuclear magneton for hadrons) is just a convenient scale factor. In these units mu=+2.79 for the proton and -1.91 for the neutron.
 
  • #5
Quark charge has an appreciable effect on the motion of a neutron in a B-field?
Thats cool... can you site the article?
 

1. Why is neutron precession important in understanding subatomic particles?

Neutron precession is important because it allows us to study the internal structure of subatomic particles and gain a better understanding of their properties and behavior. It also has practical applications in fields such as nuclear physics and medical imaging.

2. What causes neutron precession despite having a charge of 0?

Neutron precession is caused by the magnetic moment of the neutron, which is a property that can exist even in particles with a net charge of 0. This magnetic moment interacts with external magnetic fields, causing the neutron to precess.

3. How does the spin of a neutron affect its precession?

The spin of a neutron, which is a measure of its intrinsic angular momentum, determines the direction and frequency of its precession. A neutron with a higher spin will precess at a faster rate than one with a lower spin.

4. Can neutron precession be observed in experiments?

Yes, neutron precession can be observed in experiments using techniques such as neutron scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and neutron interferometry. These experiments provide valuable insights into the behavior of subatomic particles.

5. Is neutron precession affected by external factors?

Yes, neutron precession can be affected by external factors such as temperature, pressure, and magnetic fields. These factors can alter the rate and direction of neutron precession, making it an important factor to consider in experiments and applications involving subatomic particles.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
900
Replies
33
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
904
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top