Simple physical example for addition of angular momentum?

[andresB]

I've been asked to replace a professor for a couple of classes in an undergraduate quantum mechanic course.

I have to present some topics on angular momentum, including the addition of angular momentum.

I have no problem with the general theory and can present it just fine. But I would like to give an example where the addition of angular momentum is needed. And I would like a small but physical example where the addition of angular momentum is relevant.

The most standard example, the hyperfine splitting in hydrogen, is too long for me to present in a couple of short lectures.

 

[fresh_42]

I've been asked to replace a professor for a couple of classes in an undergraduate quantum mechanic course.

I have to present some topics on angular momentum, including the addition of angular momentum.

I have no problem with the general theory and can present it just fine. But I would like to give an example where the addition of angular momentum is needed. And I would like a small but physical example where the addition of angular momentum is relevant.

The most standard example, the hyperfine splitting in hydrogen, is too long for me to present in a couple of short lectures.

How about biking through a curve? Or is that too simple?

 

[Nugatory]

I would like to give an example where the addition of angular momentum is needed. And I would like a small but physical example where the addition of angular momentum is relevant.

How about adding the spin angular momentum of two spin-1/2 particles to yield either the singlet or the the three triplet states? It's about the simplest possible case, yet is startlingly different from classical angular momentum addition.

 

[andresB]

How about adding the spin angular momentum of two spin-1/2 particles to yield either the singlet or the the three triplet states? It's about the simplest possible case, yet is startlingly different from classical angular momentum addition.

Well, yes of course. I meant, examples After the triplet and singlet thing is done.

 

[Nugatory]

Well, yes of course. I meant, examples After the triplet and singlet thing is done.

I thought it was too easy

 

[andresB]

I guess there is no simple/easy to show physical example of the kind I'm looking for.