Total Spin of Two Particles w/ Spin 1

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SUMMARY

The total spin of a system comprising two non-interacting massless particles, each with spin 1, can be either 0 or 2, assuming zero orbital angular momentum. The spin states of each particle are limited to two possibilities: +1 or -1. Therefore, the possible total spin magnitudes for the system are restricted to 0 and 2, excluding the intermediate value of 1. This conclusion aligns with the principles of quantum mechanics regarding the addition of angular momentum.

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Usaf Moji
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I have a noobish question on spin addition. If I have a system of two particles, each with spin 1, and the spins don't interact, what is the total spin of the system (assuming zero orbital angular momentum)? Is the total spin just 2?

(I hope that my reach hasn't exceeded my grasp here.)
 
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The total spin (I assume you mean the quantum number that corresponds to the magnitude of the spin angular momentum, without regard to the direction) can be either 0 or 1 or 2.
 
Last edited:
Thanks jtbell, I should have specified that the particles are massless so that each has only two possible spin states (+ or - 1). On this basis, I would imagine that the system can only have two possible spin magnitudes, 0 or 2 (and not 1). Is this correct?
 

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