Spin of Particle: Charge & Neutrality Effects

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    Particle Spin
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between particle spin and charge, specifically addressing whether spin differs between charged and neutral particles. It is established that spin is fundamentally linked to symmetry in quantum mechanics (QM), particularly through the irreducible representations (IR) of symmetry groups. The assignment of spin to particles requires understanding group theory, as wavefunctions must transform appropriately under spatial rotations. Spinors are highlighted as a specific set of wavefunctions that adhere to these rotational symmetry requirements.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics (QM) principles
  • Familiarity with group theory and symmetry groups
  • Knowledge of irreducible representations (IR)
  • Concept of wavefunctions and their transformations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of irreducible representations in group theory
  • Learn about the mathematical properties of spinors in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the implications of rotational symmetry on wavefunctions
  • Investigate the differences in spin assignment between various particle types
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in particle physics and the mathematical foundations of spin and symmetry.

shakeel
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how the spin is associated with a particle. is there a difference in spin for charge particle and a neutral particle, i mean difference in spin due to charge or spin is independent of charge. what is procedure to assign spin to a particle? p help.
 
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The procedure which introduces spin formally, requires you to know some group theory : irreducible representations (IR) of a symmetry group etc. Do you know this ? If not, answering your question is going to be difficult.

In short : spin is assigned because of symmetry. More specifically, in QM the following concepts are invariant under spatial rotations:

1) the normalization of the wavefunction
2) the expectation value of any observable
3) the Hamiltonian



For this symmetry to be respected, the wavefunctions need to "behave" in a certain way under such rotations. Mathematically one says : the wavefunctions need to transform under certain IR of the rotational symmetry group.

One set of wavefunctions that respects this demand are the spinors. They are defined based upon their behaviour under rotatios. If A is a spinor and you rotate it 360 degress you get -A.

To read the full story, go check https://www.physicsforums.com/blogs/marlon-13790/what-is-spin-152/

marlon
 
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