Understanding Spin: Unpacking the Concept of Electron Angular Momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of "spin" in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding electrons. Participants express dissatisfaction with the common explanation of intrinsic angular momentum, noting that the term "spin" does not accurately reflect a physical object's rotation. Instead, it serves as a label for how particles interact with one another. The conversation highlights the challenges in finding a satisfactory explanation for this fundamental property of particles.

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  • Basic understanding of quantum mechanics
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  • Knowledge of angular momentum concepts
  • Awareness of quantum particle interactions
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  • Investigate the concept of intrinsic properties in quantum particles
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focused on quantum mechanics and particle physics, will benefit from this discussion.

VivaLaFisica
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As far as we know, an electron cannot be decomposed into angular momentum of constituent parts. So how am I suppose to be thinking about what "spin" is?

I've come across intrinsic angular momentum explanations, but I'm not really satisfied with that and am still a bit stumped.
 
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I don't think you are going to find a very satisfactory answer to this... Except for the label itself ("spin"), there is not really anything in common between a physical object spinning, and the spin number of a particle. It's just a tag identifying what a particle will communicate to other particles when it interacts. We try to work by metaphor where possible, but its a very unstable metaphor in most cases.

Great question though... I've always wanted a good answer to this as well.
 

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