Why Do g Factors Vary Among Different Atoms?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the variation of g factors among different atoms, specifically referencing Rabi's calculations of nuclear magnetic moments for lithium and fluorine isotopes. Participants explore the underlying reasons for the differences in g factors, considering both intrinsic properties of atoms and the influence of angular momentum and energy states.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the g factor varies significantly among isotopes of lithium and fluorine and questions whether this is due to intrinsic atomic properties or other factors.
  • Another participant suggests that the g factor depends on the energy differences of each state, although this claim is met with confusion regarding the specifics of what is meant by "energy differences."
  • A further contribution clarifies that the g factor is defined in relation to energy differences between transitions and angular momenta, distinguishing it from the gyromagnetic ratio.
  • One participant elaborates on the relationship between total angular momentum and the Hamiltonian, providing a mathematical expression for energy states and how these relate to g factors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the relationship between g factors, energy states, and angular momentum. There is no consensus on a singular explanation for the variation in g factors among different atoms.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of energy differences and angular momentum in the context of g factors, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the underlying physics.

mimocs
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Hi, last week I read Rabi's paper "The Molcular Beam Resonance Method".

This paper contains the basic idea of the oscillation which we call "Rabi Oscillation" as many of you guys know.

However, at the end of this paper, Rabi calculates nuclear magnetic moments of Li (atomic mass 6), Li (atomic mass 7), F (atomic mass 19) by measuring the g factor of the atoms above.

Here's my Question.
g factor for Li (atomic mass 6) is 0.820,
Li (atomic mass 7) is 2.167
F (atomic mass 19) is 5.243
These values differ greatly. Are there any logical reasons to explain the differences of g factor?
Or is it just an intrinsic property of each atoms (just like the spin of electron is 1/2)?

Have a nice day
 
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The g factor will depend on the energy differences of each state...so why not?
 
ChrisVer said:
The g factor will depend on the energy differences of each state...so why not?
I don't get it...
Isn't the g factor something very similar to gyromagnetic ratio?
And, I would like to know what you mean by 'energy differences of each state'.
Are you talking about the electric potential energy? Or is it something else?
 
It's part of a definition. In general the g-factor is given by the energy difference between the transitions and also the angular momenta: So because of that it also depends on the angular momenta, something that the gyromagnetic ratio doesn't...

Suppose that your atom has a total angular momentum F=I+J where I and J the nuclear and electronic angular momenta respectively. The Hamiltonian is given by:
H= g~ I \cdot J = \frac{g}{2} [ F^2 - I^2 - J^2 ]
passing into energies (\hbar=1):
E= \frac{g}{2} [ F(F+1) - I (I+1) - J (J+1) ]

That's the energy for a given state. Now it depends... after some transition, the energy difference will be:: \Delta E
and the g will be that energy difference divided by some factor that comes from the angular momenta of those states...
 
geeeee...

Never knew something like that
Thanks a lot for your help

ChrisVer said:
It's part of a definition. In general the g-factor is given by the energy difference between the transitions and also the angular momenta: So because of that it also depends on the angular momenta, something that the gyromagnetic ratio doesn't...

Suppose that your atom has a total angular momentum F=I+J where I and J the nuclear and electronic angular momenta respectively. The Hamiltonian is given by:
H= g~ I \cdot J = \frac{g}{2} [ F^2 - I^2 - J^2 ]
passing into energies (\hbar=1):
E= \frac{g}{2} [ F(F+1) - I (I+1) - J (J+1) ]

That's the energy for a given state. Now it depends... after some transition, the energy difference will be:: \Delta E
and the g will be that energy difference divided by some factor that comes from the angular momenta of those states...
 

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