Stern-gerlach vs zeeman effect = paradox?

So while both experiments involve splitting energy levels, the mechanisms behind the splitting are different. In summary, the Zeeman effect and Stern-Gerlach experiments may seem contradictory, but they are actually measuring different aspects of the atoms - the energy levels of electrons versus the angular momentum of the atoms as a whole.
  • #1
Aziza
190
1
This may be a stupid question, but I am reviewing for the physics gre and can't help but see the zeeman effect and stern-gerlach experiments as contradictions. In the Zeeman effect, a neutral atom energy level will split into 3 levels (or 2 or more if take into account anomalous zeeman), but in stern-gerlach, it always only splits in two (the beam deflected upwards has higher energy than the beam deflected downwards).

Could someone please help me resolve this contradiction?


Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2

1. What is the Stern-Gerlach experiment and how does it relate to the Zeeman effect?

The Stern-Gerlach experiment is a physics experiment that demonstrated the quantization of angular momentum in atoms. It involves passing a beam of particles, such as atoms or electrons, through an inhomogeneous magnetic field. This causes the particles to split into two or more beams, depending on their intrinsic spin. The Zeeman effect, on the other hand, is the splitting of spectral lines in the presence of a magnetic field. Both of these phenomena demonstrate the quantization of angular momentum in atoms.

2. What is the paradox between the Stern-Gerlach experiment and the Zeeman effect?

The paradox arises because the Stern-Gerlach experiment shows the quantization of angular momentum in atoms, while the Zeeman effect shows that spectral lines are split into multiple components due to the interaction with a magnetic field. However, according to classical physics, the magnetic field should cause the particles to continuously change their angular momentum, leading to a continuous spectrum rather than a discrete one.

3. How was the paradox between the Stern-Gerlach experiment and the Zeeman effect resolved?

The paradox was resolved with the development of quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wavefunctions, which can only have certain discrete values of angular momentum. This explains why the particles in the Stern-Gerlach experiment only split into a few beams, rather than a continuous spectrum. The Zeeman effect can also be explained by considering the interaction between the magnetic field and the particles' intrinsic spin.

4. Can the Stern-Gerlach experiment and the Zeeman effect be observed in everyday life?

Yes, both the Stern-Gerlach experiment and the Zeeman effect have practical applications in everyday life. For example, the Stern-Gerlach experiment is used in the production of computer hard drives, while the Zeeman effect is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines.

5. Are there any other quantum phenomena that have a similar paradox to the Stern-Gerlach vs Zeeman effect?

Yes, there are several other quantum phenomena that have paradoxes similar to the Stern-Gerlach vs Zeeman effect, such as the double-slit experiment and the wave-particle duality of light. These paradoxes were also resolved with the development of quantum mechanics and have led to a better understanding of the fundamental nature of particles and waves.

Similar threads

I Zeeman effect after a Stern-Gerlach experiment
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
2K
I 3p->2s: Why spectral line split into three lines in m. field
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Stern Gerlach and Nuclear Spin?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
3K
Some questions about spin in relation to the stern-gerlach experiment
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
8
Views
2K
Laser Cooling & Zeeman Effect
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
How does the Zeeman Effect contribute to laser cooling of atoms?
    • Optics
Replies
4
Views
3K
Zeeman Effect: Homework Questions on n=2 & 3 Energy Levels in 2T Magnetic Field
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
5K
Understanding the Anomalous Zeeman Effect in Advanced Student Laboratories
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
2K
Energy Level notation in relation to the Zeeman Effect
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
A Bernoulli, lift and cause & effect
    • Classical Physics
Replies
30
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top