Spin 2 1/2: Exploring the Mysterious World of Particles and Spin

  • Thread starter ImaLooser
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Spin
In summary, the conversation discusses the "spin family" art works that have a model of something with spin 2 1/2. However, there are no elementary particles with this spin in nature. The maximum spin observed is 2, seen in the graviton. There are, however, bound states with total angular momentum of 5/2, such as excited states of the proton and neutron, and atomic ions like Cu2+. There is no known theoretical limit on the maximum spin a particle can have.
  • #1
ImaLooser
489
4
The "spin family" art works have a model of something with spin 2 1/2. I can't find any particle with this property. The max seems to be the graviton with spin 2.

?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ImaLooser said:
The "spin family" art works have a model of something with spin 2 1/2. I can't find any particle with this property. The max seems to be the graviton with spin 2.

?

OK, I'm going to assume that there is no such thing, sculpture notwithstanding.
 
  • #3
There aren't any elementary particles with spin 5/2 is nature. There are however bound states with total angular momentum 5/2. Examples include certain excited states of the proton and neutron, as well as atomic ions like Cu2+.
 
  • #4
fzero said:
There aren't any elementary particles with spin 5/2 is nature. There are however bound states with total angular momentum 5/2. Examples include certain excited states of the proton and neutron, as well as atomic ions like Cu2+.

Aha, now we're getting somewhere. So is there any theoretical limit on the amount of spin a particle can have?
 

1. What is spin in particle physics?

Spin is an intrinsic property of subatomic particles that describes their angular momentum. It is measured in units of Planck's constant and can have values of 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, etc. Spin is a fundamental property of particles and plays a crucial role in the behavior and interactions of particles.

2. How does spin affect the behavior of particles?

Spin determines the intrinsic magnetic moment of particles and how they interact with external magnetic fields. It also affects the stability and decay of particles, as well as their interactions with other particles. Particles with different spins exhibit different behaviors and can have different lifetimes.

3. What is the significance of the spin 2 1/2 particle?

The spin 2 1/2 particle, also known as the graviton, is a hypothetical particle that is believed to mediate the force of gravity. It is predicted by theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity, but has not yet been observed. Its existence would help unify the fundamental forces of nature.

4. How do scientists study spin in particles?

Scientists study spin in particles through various experiments and observations. They use particle accelerators to create and study particles with different spins. They also use techniques such as scattering, magnetic resonance imaging, and spectroscopy to measure the properties and interactions of particles with spin.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding spin in particles?

Understanding spin in particles has many practical applications, such as in medical imaging, where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relies on the spin of particles in the body. Spin also plays a crucial role in technology, such as in the development of quantum computers. Understanding spin can also lead to advancements in fields such as materials science and nanotechnology.

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
739
Replies
12
Views
907
Replies
2
Views
907
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
858
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
20
Views
1K
Back
Top