Quantum mechanics , total orbital angular momentum?

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In a hydrogen atom with n=4, the largest permitted value of l is 3, allowing for m values from -3 to 3. The total orbital angular momentum is represented by L^2, calculated as l(l+1)ħ², which for l=3 equals 12ħ². The discussion clarifies that total orbital angular momentum is not merely the sum of individual m values but encompasses the entire angular momentum state. The relationship between l and m is crucial, as m represents the projection of angular momentum along the z-axis, while l defines the overall orbital angular momentum. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurately determining the total orbital angular momentum in quantum mechanics.
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Homework Statement



A hydrogen atom is identified as being in a state with n=4. What is the magnitude of the total orbital angular momentum for the largest permitted value of l?

Homework Equations


n>l, l is bigger or equal to m

The Attempt at a Solution


The allowed l= 3,2,1
The allowed m for largest l= 3,2,1,0,-1,-2,-3
Total orbital angular momentum is the sum of all Lz or L^2?
Ans, total= 3+2+1+0 +(-1)+(-2)+(-3)=0?
L^2= 3(3+1)hbar
What is the total orbital angular momentum?
Please guide ,thanks
 
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Outrageous said:

Homework Statement



A hydrogen atom is identified as being in a state with n=4. What is the magnitude of the total orbital angular momentum for the largest permitted value of l?

Homework Equations


n>l, l is bigger or equal to m

The Attempt at a Solution


The allowed l= 3,2,1
The allowed m for largest l= 3,2,1,0,-1,-2,-3
Total orbital angular momentum is the sum of all Lz or L^2?
Ans, total= 3+2+1+0 +(-1)+(-2)+(-3)=0?
L^2= 3(3+1)hbar
What is the total orbital angular momentum?
Please guide ,thanks
Read your textbook and notes and answer the following questions:
  1. What does ##\vec{L}^2## physically represent?
  2. What about ##L_z##?
  3. How are ##l## and ##m## related to ##\vec{L}^2## and ##L_z##?
 
vela said:
Read your textbook and notes and answer the following questions:
  1. What does ##\vec{L}^2## physically represent?
  2. What about ##L_z##?
  3. How are ##l## and ##m## related to ##\vec{L}^2## and ##L_z##?

##\vec{L}^2## mean the angular momentum square
##L_z## angular momentum in z direction
##\vec{L}^2##=l(l+1)\hbar and ##L_z##=m\hbar.
Total orbit angular momentum is j?
J=l-(1/2) or l+(1/2)
 
Outrageous said:
##\vec{L}^2## mean the angular momentum square
##L_z## angular momentum in z direction
##\vec{L}^2=l(l+1)\hbar## and ##L_z=m\hbar##.
That should be ##\vec{L}^2=l(l+1)\hbar^2##. Total orbital angular momentum means not just the z-component. ##m## and ##l## are quantum numbers, not angular momenta.

Total orbit angular momentum is j?
J=l-(1/2) or l+(1/2)
The key word here is orbital. Which observable corresponds to orbital angular momentum?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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