Spin angular dipole momentum of the electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of spin angular momentum in electrons, exploring whether electrons possess spin angular dipole momentum and the implications of this property in both classical and quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electrons have spin angular dipole momentum, referencing classical mechanics' definition of spin angular momentum.
  • Another participant asserts that electrons possess intrinsic angular momentum with a magnitude of (\sqrt{3} / 2) \hbar, clarifying that this is termed "spin angular momentum" despite the lack of classical spinning motion.
  • A participant inquires about the significance of the factor of sqrt(3) in the context of electron spin.
  • Further contributions reference the equation S^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle =\frac{3}{4}\hbar^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle, discussing its implications for understanding spin as a nonrelativistic property of quantum systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion includes multiple competing views regarding the nature of electron spin and its representation, with no consensus reached on the implications of the factor of sqrt(3) or the characterization of spin in classical versus quantum contexts.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference quantum mechanical properties and equations without resolving the underlying assumptions or definitions related to spin angular momentum.

yyouth24
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do the electrons have spin angular dipole momentum? (In classical mechanics, the spin angular momentum of a body is associated with the rotation of the body around its own center of mass)

Thank you.
 
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Electrons have an intrinsic angular momentum whose magnitude is [itex](\sqrt{3} / 2) \hbar[/itex]. This is often called "spin angular momentum" even though an electron cannot be considered as "spinning" in the classical sense (a small object physically rotating around its own axis, like the Earth's 24-hour rotation).

Intrinsic angular momentum is a quantum-mechanical property. It arises naturally in solving the Dirac equation (the relativistic analog of the Schrödinger equation).
 
whats with the factor of sqrt(3)?
 
[tex]S^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle =\frac{3}{4}\hbar^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle[/tex].

Go figure...

The spin is a nonrelativistic property of quantum "elementary systems".
 
dextercioby said:
[tex]S^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle =\frac{3}{4}\hbar^{2}|s,m_{s}\rangle[/tex].

Go figure...

The spin is a nonrelativistic property of quantum "elementary systems".

oh right.
 

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