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scorinaldi
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Quantum Mechanics Problem. Help!
Hey gang,
This is a physicsGRE problem ( GR9677 question #77 ) that I have yet to see anyone answer well.
Please let me know if I'm not being clear. Here goes:
Question:
"Two ions, 1 and 2, at fixed separation, with spin angular momentum operators S_1 and S_2, have
the interaction Hamiltonian H = -JS_1 (dot) S_2, where J > 0.
The values of (S_1)^2 and (S_2)^2 are fixed at S_1(S_1 + 1) and S_2(S_2 + 1), respectively.
Which of the following is the energy of the ground state of the system?"
Ok, that's the question. The answer is:
-(J/2)[( S_1 + S_2)( S_1 + S_2 + 1) - S_1(S_1 + 1) - S_2(S_2 + 1)]
How did we get this answer? Can someone fill in the steps?
Hey gang,
This is a physicsGRE problem ( GR9677 question #77 ) that I have yet to see anyone answer well.
Please let me know if I'm not being clear. Here goes:
Question:
"Two ions, 1 and 2, at fixed separation, with spin angular momentum operators S_1 and S_2, have
the interaction Hamiltonian H = -JS_1 (dot) S_2, where J > 0.
The values of (S_1)^2 and (S_2)^2 are fixed at S_1(S_1 + 1) and S_2(S_2 + 1), respectively.
Which of the following is the energy of the ground state of the system?"
Ok, that's the question. The answer is:
-(J/2)[( S_1 + S_2)( S_1 + S_2 + 1) - S_1(S_1 + 1) - S_2(S_2 + 1)]
How did we get this answer? Can someone fill in the steps?