Why is my Angular Momentum Homework Solution Incorrect?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the incorrect approach to constructing angular momentum states for a system with total angular momentum |J=1/2, M=1/2>. The user attempts to express the state as a linear combination of basis states |j1, m1> and |j2, m2> but is informed that direct construction of J=1/2 states is not permissible. The user’s calculations for coefficients C1 and C2 are flawed due to misunderstanding the nature of angular momentum coupling, particularly regarding the relative nature of coefficients and the requirement for proper normalization.

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Homework Statement


So I'm told I can't do it this way but I was wondering if anyone could clarify as to why? We're given [tex]|J=\frac{1}{2},M = \frac{1}{2}\!>[/tex] where [tex]j_1 = 1 \, and \, j_2 = \frac{1}{2}[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


So this can be composed as a linear combination:
[tex]| \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}\!> = C_1 |1 1\!>|\frac{1}{2} -\frac{1}{2}\!> + C_2 |10\!> \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}\!>[/tex]
Applying the raising operator to both sides [tex]J_+[/tex] gives:
[tex]0 = C_1 |1 1\!>|\frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}\!> + \sqrt{2}C_2 |11\!> \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}\!>[/tex] so that [tex]C_1 = -\sqrt{2}C_2 \, and \, C^2_1 + C^2_2 = 1 \, implies \, C_2 = \frac{1}{\sqrt3} \, and \, C_1 = \frac{\sqrt2}{\sqrt3}[/tex]
But, I'm told this is wrong, why and thank you.
 
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Other than a sign mistake — one of the constants should be negative — it looks fine to me.
 
I was told that this is true but that you cannot construct J=1/2 states directly, moreover that the coefficients are relative?
 

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