What Is the Expectation of Angular Momentum Components for a Spin 5 Particle?

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SUMMARY

The expectation of angular momentum components for a spin 5 particle is determined by the total angular momentum quantum number \( j \) and the spin quantum number \( s \). In this context, when discussing a spin 5 particle, it is established that \( j = s = 5 \) due to the absence of orbital angular momentum. The quantum number associated with the magnitude of the spin is indeed \( s \), which represents the intrinsic angular momentum of the particle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics notation, specifically angular momentum operators.
  • Familiarity with quantum numbers \( j \), \( m_j \), \( s \), and \( m_s \).
  • Knowledge of the relationship between spin and angular momentum in quantum systems.
  • Basic grasp of eigenvalues and eigenstates in quantum mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of angular momentum operators in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of different spin values on quantum states.
  • Research the mathematical formulation of eigenvalues for angular momentum operators.
  • Explore the significance of quantum numbers in determining particle behavior in quantum systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in quantum mechanics, particularly those focusing on angular momentum and spin systems, will benefit from this discussion.

doublemint
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Hello All,

Right now, I am trying to complete my QM assignment, but I am getting confused about the notation.

So, the generalized angular momentum operator is represented as [itex]\hat{J}[/itex] and -j is the quantum # associated with the magnitude and [itex]m_{j}[/itex] is the quantum # associated with the projection of the angular momentum projection.
Then given j=2, [itex]m_{j}[/itex]=-2,-1,0,1,2
So now onto spin. The spin operator is [itex]\hat{S}[/itex] and similar s is the magnitude of the spin and [itex]m_{s}[/itex] is the projections. Then given s=1/2, [itex]m_{s}[/itex]=1/2,-1/2
So far so good right?
Now what is confusing to me is this: the question is asking for the expectation of the three components of angular momentum of a spin 5 particle. Does it mean s=5 or j=5?

Another question is what does it mean by "the quantum number associated with the magnitude of the spin for a particle"? Are they asking for s?

Thanks
DoubleMint
 
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I think they discard the orbital angular momentum, so that j=s=5. The magnitude is usually seen as the eigenvalue of S2.
 

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