Why is there no constant magnetic dipole-dipole interaction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the existence and implications of magnetic dipole-dipole interactions between hydrogen atoms, particularly focusing on the 1s and 2p states. Participants explore theoretical aspects, potential energy equations, and the significance of magnetic moments in these interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that there should be a magnetic dipole-dipole interaction between 1s hydrogen atoms, referencing a specific equation for potential energy.
  • Another participant questions the value of l(l+1) for the 1s state, indicating a need for clarification on angular momentum in quantum states.
  • A subsequent reply discusses the magnetic interaction for 1s states, attributing it to the spin's magnetic moment, but notes that it is significantly smaller than the singlet-triplet splitting due to orbital symmetry differences.
  • There is a query about the validity of the referenced equation in light of the discussions on magnetic interactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and significance of magnetic dipole-dipole interactions, particularly between different quantum states of hydrogen atoms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the potential energy equation and the overall understanding of these interactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the validity of the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction in the context of hydrogen atoms, and there are unresolved questions regarding the application of perturbation theory and the significance of magnetic moments.

Gavroy
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In my opinion, there should be a magnetic-dipole-dipole interaction between 2 1s-hydrogen atoms, but i could not find anything that confirms this.

first of all i discovered this equation here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_dipole–dipole_interaction

the potential energy U = - \frac{ \mu_0 } {4 \pi r_{jk}^3 } \left( 3 (\bold{m}_j \cdot \bold{e}_{jk}) (\bold{m}_k \cdot \bold{e}_{jk}) - \bold{m}_j \cdot \bold{m}_k \right)

but an electron in a hydrogen atom with arbitrary l has always a electro magnetic dipole moment(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_magnetic_dipole_moment#Example:_Hydrogen_atom )and therefore this whole term should therefore be different from zero?

so one could evaluate the first term energy correction by using pertubation theory and would probably get a result different from zero. but actually, i guess that somewhere i am completely wrong, cause i never heard anything of such a correction?
 
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What is l(l+1) for the 1S state?
 
oh, you are so right.:smile:

but what is with the l=1 state? e.g. 2 hydrogen atoms in a 2p-state?
 
In principle, there is a magnetic interaction also for the 1S states due to the spin's magnetic moment. However, it is magnitudes smaller than the singlet-triplet splitting which is due to different symmetry of the orbital part of the molecular wavefunction.
 
ok, thank you,
so does this mean - or do you think- that this equation is correct?
 

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