Polarized Free Electrons vs Polarity of Static Magnet

AI Thread Summary
Free polarized electrons exhibit a magnetic dipole moment, which influences their interaction with static magnets. In a uniform magnetic field, electrons experience torque but no net force, meaning their alignment with the field lowers energy without changing their position. The discussion centers on which type of free polarized electron, either spin up or spin down, is attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet. It is suggested that the alignment of the electron's dipole moment with the magnetic field determines the attraction or repulsion. Ultimately, understanding the specific behavior of spin states in relation to magnetic poles remains a complex topic that requires further exploration.
Buckeye
Messages
164
Reaction score
2
Question 1:
Which type of free polarized electron (spin up or down) is attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet?

Question 2:
Why is a free electron attracted to or repelled by either pole of a static magnet?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Buckeye said:
Which type of free polarized electron (spin up or down) is attracted to the true North pole of a static magnet?
In a uniform magnetic field, there is just a torque on electrons, no net force.

Electrons have a magnetic dipole moment. The energy is lowered by aligning with an external field, but moving the dipole around does not change the energy.
 
Not a Course Question: Still need help to understand

Pieter Kuiper said:
In a uniform magnetic field, there is just a torque on electrons, no net force.
Electrons have a magnetic dipole moment. The energy is lowered by aligning with an external field, but moving the dipole around does not change the energy.

In spite of the change of venue, the question stands. In simple terms, ignoring the torque and the tendency to least energy, which spin goes to which pole?
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top