What is the eigenvalue of angular momentum? (Zeeman)

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The discussion focuses on calculating the Zeeman Effect for the configuration (2p)², where the orbital angular momentum l=1. The key issue is determining the correct eigenvalue m for J_z, with confusion arising between the total angular momentum and its components. It is clarified that m should be derived from the combination of orbital and spin angular momentum, leading to m being 1/2 instead of 3/2. The incorrect assumption about m results in wrong Gordon-Clebsch coefficients, which are essential for accurate calculations. The resolution emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the quantum numbers associated with total angular momentum and its components.
unscientific
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Homework Statement



In the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, the most important calculation is

\langle L_z + 2S_z \rangle = \langle J_z + S_z\rangle

Suppose we want to find the Zeeman Effect for ##(2p)^2##, meaning ##l=1##.

In Sakurai's book,

ZGH5T.png


My question is, what is ##m##? They say that ##m## is the eigenvalue of ##J_z##, meaning ##J_z = l + m_s = \frac{3}{2}## in this case.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



Using ##m = \frac{3}{2}##, it gives the wrong Gordon-Clebsch coefficients.

I have worked out the correct form, which is adding orbital angular momentum ##(l=1)## to its spin ##(\pm\frac{1}{2})##

|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}|1,1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}|1,0\rangle|+\rangle
 
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unscientific said:

Homework Statement



In the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, the most important calculation is

\langle L_z + 2S_z \rangle = \langle J_z + S_z\rangle

Suppose we want to find the Zeeman Effect for ##(2p)^2##, meaning ##l=1##.

In Sakurai's book,

ZGH5T.png


My question is, what is ##m##? They say that ##m## is the eigenvalue of ##J_z##, meaning ##J_z = l + m_s = \frac{3}{2}## in this case.
Why do you assume ##m_l=l##?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Using ##m = \frac{3}{2}##, it gives the wrong Gordon-Clebsch coefficients.

I have worked out the correct form, which is adding orbital angular momentum ##(l=1)## to its spin ##(\pm\frac{1}{2})##

|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3}}|1,1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}|1,0\rangle|+\rangle
 
vela said:
Why do you assume ##m_l=l##?

my biggest problem is, they say that the eigenvalue of ##J_z## is ##m##, but then ##m = \frac{1}{2}## gives the correct gordon-clebsch coefficients. Does this mean that ##J_z = \frac{1}{2}##? But isn't ##J_z## the TOTAL angular momentum? Shouldn't it be ##J_z = l + s = \frac{3}{2}##?
 
##J_z## is the z-component of the total angular momentum. It can take on any value from ##j## to ##-j##. According to the rules about adding angular momenta, ##j## can take on any value from ##l+s## to ##\lvert l-s \rvert##.
 
you seem to be confusing l with ml and s with ms. If l = 1 than ml = -1, 0, 1 are all possible, and if s = 1/2 than ms = +1/2 and -1/2 are possible. m = ml + ms
 
dauto said:
you seem to be confusing l with ml and s with ms. If l = 1 than ml = -1, 0, 1 are all possible, and if s = 1/2 than ms = +1/2 and -1/2 are possible. m = ml + ms

If that's the case, then for ##l=1## and ##m_s = 1##:

|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1 - (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1 + (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|0\rangle|+\rangle

These coefficients are wrong.
 
For j = 3/2, l = 1, and m = 1/2 I'm getting

|j,m> = |3/2,1/2> = |1+1/2,1/2> = [(l+m+1/2)/(2l+1)]1/2|m-1/2,1/2> + [(l-m+1/2)/(2l+1)]1/2|m+1/2,-1/2>
|j,m> = [(1+1/2+1/2)/(2*1+1)]1/2|1/2-1/2,1/2> + [(1-1/2+1/2)/(2*1+1)]1/2|1/2+1/2,-1/2>
|j,m> = (2/3)1/2|0,1/2> + (1/3)1/2|1,-1/2>
|3/2,1/2> = (2/3)1/2|1,0>|+> + (1/3)1/2|1,1>|->
 
unscientific said:
If that's the case, then for ##l=1## and ##m_s = 1##:

|l + s, m_l + m_s\rangle = |\frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2}\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1 - (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|1\rangle|-\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1 + (1 + \frac{1}{2}) + \frac{1}{2}}{3}}|0\rangle|+\rangle

These coefficients are wrong.
For the state ##\left\lvert \frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2} \right\rangle##, you have ##j=3/2## and ##m=1/2##. In your expression for the coefficients, you're using ##m=3/2##, which is why they're not coming out right.
 
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vela said:
For the state ##\left\lvert \frac{3}{2},\frac{1}{2} \right\rangle##, you have ##j=3/2## and ##m=1/2##. In your expression for the coefficients, you're using ##m=3/2##, which is why they're not coming out right.

Damn, I should have been more careful. Thanks alot!
 

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