What is the eigenvalue of angular momentum? (Zeeman)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Zeeman Effect, specifically focusing on the eigenvalue of angular momentum in the context of a two-electron system in the ##(2p)^2## configuration, where ##l=1##. Participants are examining the relationship between the total angular momentum ##J_z## and its components, questioning the values of ##m## and the implications for the Gordon-Clebsch coefficients.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the definition of ##m## as the eigenvalue of ##J_z## and its relationship to the orbital and spin angular momentum. Questions are raised about the assumptions regarding the values of ##m_l## and ##m_s##, and how these relate to the total angular momentum.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the definitions and relationships between angular momentum components. Some participants have pointed out potential confusions between different angular momentum quantum numbers, while others are exploring the implications of these definitions on the calculations being performed.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the values of ##m_l## and ##m_s##, and how they contribute to the total ##m##. Participants are working within the constraints of the quantum mechanical framework for angular momentum, which includes specific rules for adding angular momenta.

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 a lot!
 

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