Prove that spin in arbitary direction is hbar/2

  • Thread starter Thread starter cks
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Direction Spin
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on proving that spin in an arbitrary direction is hbar/2. Participants suggest focusing on the eigenvalues of the spin matrix S_{z'} rather than S_{z'}^2. There is a clarification that the inquiry is about the spin component in a specific direction, not the total spin angular momentum S^2. Misunderstandings regarding the relationship between these eigenvalues are noted. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying the relevant spin matrices for the proof.
cks
Messages
164
Reaction score
0
the question is in the jpeg file.
 

Attachments

  • spin in arbitrary direction.jpg
    spin in arbitrary direction.jpg
    37.8 KB · Views: 480
Physics news on Phys.org
How come you don't just solve the eigenvalues for the matrix that you have denoted by S_{z'}? We are not interested in the eigenvalues of S_{z'}^2, but just on the eigenvalues of the spin matrix you have constructed in the fourth line of your attachment. I think you have got a bit messed up with the eigenvalues related to the total spin angular momentum S^2=S_x^2+S_y^2+S_z^2 and the component of spin angular momentum related to an arbitrary direction.

I hope this made any sense to you, it's my first post!
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K