Spin angular momentum of a spin-1 particle

In summary, spin angular momentum is a fundamental property of subatomic particles that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is measured in units of ħ and can change through interactions with other particles or external forces. There is a difference between spin-1/2 and spin-1 particles, with the latter having a higher spin quantum number. Spin angular momentum plays a crucial role in physics and is used to explain various phenomena and develop technologies such as MRI and quantum computing.
  • #1
liometopum
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The spin angular momentum of a spin 1/2 particle is given by S = √(s(s+1))ℏ. If s =1/2,
S= ((√3)/2)ℏ

So, if s=1 is S= √2ℏ ?
 
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  • #2
Do you have some reason to be skeptical of the arithmetic?
 
  • #3
Not at all. Every source I checked to confirm it only gave S for spin-1/2. Thanks!
 
  • #4
It's a general relationship that applies to all kinds of angular momentum in QM.

Spin angular momentum: ##S = \sqrt{s(s+1)} \hbar##

Orbital angular momentum: ##L = \sqrt{l(l+1)} \hbar##

Total (spin + orbital) angular momentum: ##J = \sqrt{j(j+1)} \hbar##
 
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  • #5
Thanks so much for helping clarify this!
 

FAQ: Spin angular momentum of a spin-1 particle

1. What is spin angular momentum?

Spin angular momentum is a property of subatomic particles that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is often referred to as simply "spin" and is one of the fundamental properties of particles, along with mass and charge.

2. How is spin angular momentum measured?

Spin angular momentum is measured in units of ħ, which is the reduced Planck's constant. The value of ħ is approximately 1.0545718 × 10^-34 joule seconds. The measurement of spin angular momentum is done through experiments that involve studying the interaction of particles with magnetic fields.

3. What is the difference between spin-1/2 and spin-1 particles?

The main difference between spin-1/2 and spin-1 particles is their spin quantum number. Spin-1/2 particles, such as electrons, have a spin quantum number of 1/2, while spin-1 particles, such as protons, have a spin quantum number of 1. This means that spin-1 particles have higher angular momentum than spin-1/2 particles.

4. Can spin angular momentum change?

Yes, spin angular momentum can change through interactions with other particles or external forces. In quantum mechanics, this change is described by the uncertainty principle, which states that the more precisely the spin is measured, the less precisely its direction can be known.

5. What is the significance of spin angular momentum in physics?

Spin angular momentum plays a crucial role in many areas of physics, such as quantum mechanics, particle physics, and condensed matter physics. It is used to explain various phenomena, such as the stability of atoms, the magnetic properties of materials, and the behavior of subatomic particles. It is also important in the development of technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and quantum computing.

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