Quantum mechanics , total orbital angular momentum?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the total orbital angular momentum of a hydrogen atom in a quantum state characterized by the principal quantum number n=4. Participants are exploring the implications of quantum numbers l and m in relation to angular momentum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to identify the allowed values of l and m, questioning whether total orbital angular momentum should be calculated as a sum of components or through the use of the L^2 operator. There is also discussion regarding the physical meaning of L^2 and L_z, and how they relate to the quantum numbers l and m.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the definitions of angular momentum components and their relationships. Some participants suggest reconsidering the interpretation of total orbital angular momentum, while others clarify the distinction between quantum numbers and angular momentum values.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of quantum mechanics principles, specifically the relationships between quantum numbers and angular momentum, while also adhering to homework guidelines that may limit the depth of exploration.

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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?
 

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