Why use the z-component of the magnetic moment to find the magnitude?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of the orbital magnetic moment for an electron with a magnetic quantum number m=2, using the formula μ = eL/2m. The confusion arises from the use of the z-component of the magnetic moment to determine the overall magnitude, contrasting with the standard practice of using angular momentum L for magnitude and L(z) for direction. The conclusion drawn is that the z-component is indeed utilized to ascertain the magnitude, which may lead to misunderstandings regarding the application of these quantum mechanical principles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics, specifically magnetic quantum numbers.
  • Familiarity with the formula for orbital magnetic moment μ = eL/2m.
  • Knowledge of angular momentum and its components in quantum systems.
  • Basic grasp of vector components in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the orbital magnetic moment formula μ = eL/2m.
  • Learn about the significance of magnetic quantum numbers in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore the relationship between angular momentum and magnetic moment in quantum systems.
  • Investigate the role of vector components in determining physical quantities in quantum mechanics.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, as well as anyone seeking to clarify the relationship between magnetic moments and angular momentum.

oddiseas
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An electron has a magnetic quantum number m=2.What is the magnitude of the orbital magnetic moment.

Homework Equations



mu=eL/2m


The Attempt at a Solution



Now i figured that the above equation gives the magnitude of the orbital moment and the equation for the z component gives us the direction in which it points. The solution is eh/m, which means that the z component was used to find the magnitude. This has me confused, because with the angular momentum we use L,to find the magnitude and L(z) for the z component.
Why have they used the z component of the magnetic moment to find the magnitude?
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K