Question about spin magnetic quantum number

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 3K views
Bipolarity
Messages
773
Reaction score
2
Not really a homework problem, just a question on the Pauli exclusion principle.
I understand that each electron has two different spins, characterized by the possible values of the spin magnetic quantum number.

However, I do not understand why it is necessary that in each orbital the two electrons NECESSARILY have to have opposite spin. Why is it not possible that both electrons in the orbital have the same spin?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Where are you at in your physics studies? Undergrad? Junior? Sophomore.

The Pauli exclusion principle is a fairly deep topic, and a full explanation will require studying quantum mechanics at at least a Junior undergraduate level. If you want to know why spin 1/2 particles are fermions, then that will require quantum field theory. Thus, a bit about your physics background will help me give you an answer you are equipped to follow.