What Happens in a Uniform Magnetic Field: The Stern-Gerlach Experiment

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the effects of a uniform magnetic field on particles, specifically in the context of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. Participants explore the implications of a uniform magnetic field on the behavior of magnetic dipoles and the resulting outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the effects of a uniform magnetic field on the Stern-Gerlach experiment.
  • Another participant asserts that a uniform magnetic field would not cause the beam to split.
  • A different participant suggests approaching the question mathematically.
  • It is proposed that the force on the dipoles is proportional to the gradient of the magnetic field, indicating that a uniform field does not exert a force on the dipoles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of a uniform magnetic field, with some arguing it would not split the beam while others explore mathematical reasoning without reaching a consensus.

nirmali
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
What effect the magnetic field would have produced had it been uniform?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
But what if we were to answer it mathematically?
 
We would say the force on the dipoles is proportional to the gradient of the field and so a uniform field doesn't exert a force on the dipoles.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad When was the formula for the Stern-Gerlach experiment found?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Is Calcite a parallel to the Stern-Gerlach experiment?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
4K
Undergrad Is Stern-Gerlach experiment a proper idealization of measurnment?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Undergrad Problem involving a sequential Stern-Gerlach experiment
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Graduate Stern-Gerlach experiment with Gravitons
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Why the Stern-Gerlach experiment didn't detect the L?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Ontology of an electron passing through a Stern-Gerlach magnet
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Undergrad Who was the first to make a Stern-Gerlach experiment with two magnets?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about Stern-Gerlach experiment
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
High School Spin collapse in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K