Question about angular momentum and spin

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the notation of eigenvalues for angular momentum operators Jz, Lz, and Sz, all represented by the symbol 'm'. Participants clarify that while these eigenvalues can be interchanged in certain contexts, they should be distinguished using subscripts: m_j for total angular momentum, m_s for spin angular momentum, and m_ℓ for orbital angular momentum. The term "Magnetic Quantum Number" is also introduced, highlighting its experimental basis in electromagnetic interactions.

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  • Familiarity with operators in quantum mechanics, specifically Jz, Lz, and Sz.
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rabbit44
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Hi quick question, is there a reason that the eigenvalues of Jz, Lz and Sz are all denoted m? Are they the same? Because I have seen them interchanged such as in addition of angular momenta.

Thanks
 
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One call them M since they was found experimentally by interaction by EM-fields, "Magnetic Quantum Number" :-)

One should use subscript in order to differ between them:

[tex]m_j, \, m_s, \, m_\ell[/tex]
 

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