Total angular momentum state using two ways

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the addition of two angular momenta, specifically J = J1 + J2, where j1 = j2 = 1. Participants explore finding the eigenstates of the total angular momentum |jm⟩ using Clebsch-Gordan coefficients and applying the lowering operator J-. The discussion emphasizes the importance of the Clebsch-Gordan coefficient table for determining the composite states and their coefficients. The results from two methods are compared, highlighting the derivation of various states, including |j=2, m=1⟩ and |j=1, m=1⟩.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with Clebsch-Gordan coefficients
  • Knowledge of quantum state notation |jm⟩
  • Experience with the lowering operator J- in quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Clebsch-Gordan coefficient tables for various j1 and j2 values
  • Learn how to apply the lowering operator J- to derive quantum states
  • Explore the mathematical derivation of composite angular momentum states
  • Investigate the physical implications of angular momentum addition in quantum systems
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on angular momentum theory and its applications in particle physics and quantum state analysis.

my physical romanace
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Consider addition of two angular momenta J = J1 + J2 , with j1=j2=1. Find the eigenstates of the total angular momentum I jm > in terms of the product states I j1 m1 j2 m2 > in two ways
(a) Make use of the tables of the Clebech _Gordan coefficients
(b) The state with m1 = m2 = 1 must be a state with j = m = 2 (why?). Apply J- repeatedly to this state to obtain all other states of j = 2. Form an appropriate linear combination of the two states with m1 + m2 =1 to obtain the state with j =1 , and m =1 . Find the other j = 1 states by applying J- repeatedly. Finally, find the j = m = 0 state by forming an appropriate linear combination of the three states with m1 + m2 = 0.
(c) Compare the results in (a) and (b).I don't know how to use Clebech - Gordand coefficients, so please explain details using the table.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome in PF!
Next time, please use the template when posting under homework section.
maxresdefault.jpg

That is the Clebsch-Gordan (CG) coefficient table for some values of ##j_1## and ##j_2##. The one you will be interested in is that in the bottom left denoted by (1x1). The way to read this table can be found in the upper right part of the picture. There you see that the composite state represented as ##|j,m\rangle## is specified by the pair of numbers in the upper part of each CG coefficient table. For example, the state ##|j=2,m=1\rangle## can be found in the second column. The two values ordered vertically below it: 1/2 and 1/2 tell you the coefficient of the state ##|j=2,m=1\rangle## when it is expanded in the ##|m_1\rangle |m_2\rangle## basis, after adding the square root. In this case you have
$$
|j=2,m=1\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|m_1=1\rangle |m_2=0\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|m_1=0\rangle |m_2=1\rangle
$$
or simply
$$
|2,1\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|1\rangle |0\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|0\rangle |1\rangle
$$
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: my physical romanace

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
4K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K