Why Does the Stern-Gerlach Experiment Only Have a Gradient in the Z Direction?

AI Thread Summary
A dipole requires a nonuniform magnetic field to experience a net force. The equation F = -∇(μ * B) indicates that the force depends on the gradient of the magnetic field, which is primarily along the z-axis in this scenario. The absence of x or y components in the gradient is due to the specific setup of the Stern-Gerlach apparatus. The choice of the z orientation is arbitrary and does not affect the fundamental principles at play. Understanding these aspects clarifies the behavior of dipoles in magnetic fields.
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I'm confused.So a dipole needs a nonuniform field for the net force to not equal zero, cool.

My question is how do they go from
F = -∇(μ * B) = ((μ_z)(dB/dz))*(z unit vector)
how come the gradient has no x or y parts?
 
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how come the gradient has no x or y parts?
... because they [messrs Stern and Gerlach] set up the apparatus that way.
The label "z" for the orientation is arbitrary.
 
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