The Deuterium Nucleus Spin Question

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    Deuterium Nucleus Spin
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SUMMARY

The deuterium nucleus possesses a spin of 1 due to the combination of angular momentum from its constituent nucleons, specifically one proton and one neutron. The triangle inequality theorem allows for three potential spin states: 0, 1/2, and 1. The spin-1/2 state is ruled out based on the z-components of angular momentum, which can only yield 0 or 1. The nuclear force's properties, particularly the stronger n-p attraction in the spin-1 state compared to the spin-0 state, further support the conclusion that deuterium's nucleus must have a spin of 1, influenced by pion exchange between the neutron and proton.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with nuclear physics concepts, specifically nucleon interactions
  • Knowledge of the triangle inequality theorem as it applies to quantum states
  • Basic principles of particle exchange forces, particularly involving pions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of the nuclear force and its impact on nucleon spin states
  • Study the role of pions in mediating forces between nucleons
  • Explore angular momentum coupling in quantum mechanics, particularly for two-particle systems
  • Investigate experimental evidence supporting the spin states of deuterium and other light nuclei
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Students and professionals in nuclear physics, quantum mechanics researchers, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of nucleon interactions and spin states in atomic nuclei.

TriTertButoxy
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Ok, I have a question that's really irritating me.

I am trying to explain why deuterium's nucleus has a spin of 1.

By the addition of angular mometum of the individual nucleons (1 proton and 1 neutron) that make up the deuterium nucleus, there are three possible choices (from the triangle inequality theorem): 0, 1/2, and 1.

I can rule out 1/2 because that would imply that the z-component is either -1/2 or +1/2... something I can't do by adding the z-components of the angular momentum of the individual nucleons (you can only get 0 or 1).

But I can't seem to rule out the possibility of spin-0 deuterium nucleus.

Any thoughts?
 
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It de[emds on the properties of the nuclear force. The n-p attraction is slightly stronger in the spin 1 state than in the spin zero state. The theoretical reason for this has to do with the exchange of pions between the n and the p.
 

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