Suppose Electron spin = 1/2

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of electrons having a spin number of 3/2 instead of 1/2 and how this would affect the noble gases. The group of Helium (Neon, Argon, etc.) is considered as a potential "new" noble gas in this case. The conversation also touches on the dependence of quantum numbers and the role of m_{s} in determining the electron structure of noble gases. The conversation concludes with a question about building up the electron structure for helium and neon and whether a pattern can be observed.
  • #1
dalarev
99
0

Homework Statement



Suppose that electrons had a spin number of [tex]\frac{3}{2}[/tex] instead of [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]

That is, they have ould magnetic spin states of S[tex]_{z}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{-3}{2}[/tex][tex]\hbar[/tex] , [tex]\frac{-1}{2}[/tex][tex]\hbar[/tex] , [tex]\frac{+1}{2}[/tex][tex]\hbar[/tex] , [tex]\frac{+3}{2}[/tex][tex]\hbar[/tex]

Which elements would be the "new" noble gases in this case?

Homework Equations



"real" electron spin = + 1/2, - 1/2.

Noble gases are in the group of Helium (Neon, Argon, etc.)

The Attempt at a Solution



I figured it was going to be easy because, looking at the dependence of the other 3 quantum numbers on each other, it would reveal the solution quickly. The dependence I'm referring to is n = 1, 2, 3, ...
l = 1, 2, n-1... and so on..

I can't find a dependence this clear with the spin number though.
 
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  • #2
Hint: what is so special about the nobel gases?
 
  • #3
malawi_glenn said:
Hint: what is so special about the nobel gases?

l = n-1, always, for noble gases. Where does m[tex]_{s}[/tex] come into play?
 
  • #4
The total number of m states gives the total number of electrons which may share the same n, l states. A noble gas is an element where all of its electron shells are completely full...
 
  • #5
Ben Niehoff said:
The total number of m states gives the total number of electrons which may share the same n, l states. A noble gas is an element where all of its electron shells are completely full...

... and instead of TWO electrons filling each N-L orbital, ...
 
  • #6
dalarev said:
l = n-1, always, for noble gases. Where does m[tex]_{s}[/tex] come into play?


How do you build up the electron stucture for helium & neon
Does a pattern reveal?
 

1. What is electron spin?

Electron spin is a fundamental property of an electron that describes its intrinsic angular momentum. It is often visualized as the electron spinning around its own axis.

2. What does it mean when we say "electron spin = 1/2"?

When we say "electron spin = 1/2", we are referring to the value of the spin quantum number, which is a measure of the electron's spin angular momentum. It means that the electron has a spin of half a unit of angular momentum.

3. How is electron spin measured?

Electron spin can be measured using a technique called electron spin resonance (ESR) or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). This involves applying a magnetic field to a sample containing electrons and observing the absorption or emission of electromagnetic radiation at a specific frequency.

4. Why is electron spin important?

Electron spin is important because it is a fundamental property of electrons that plays a crucial role in many physical and chemical phenomena. It is also a key concept in quantum mechanics and is used in various technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spintronics.

5. Can electron spin change?

Yes, electron spin can change through interactions with other particles or external fields. For example, an electron can flip its spin when it absorbs or emits a photon, or when it interacts with other particles such as protons or neutrons. However, the value of the spin quantum number remains constant.

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