Cancelation of electron orbital angular momentum

In summary, the orbital angular momentum of two electrons in the same shell and same energy state cancel each other out if they are in a doubly occupied orbital. This is due to the fact that the spinors of each electron are related by time reversal, causing their angular momenta to cancel out. This phenomenon is known as Kramers degeneracy and is a result of time reversal invariance. When a fermion pair occupies an orbital, their spinors are coupled, leading to the cancellation of orbital angular momentum.
  • #1
bluestar
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0
How does the orbital angular momentum of two electrons in the same shell and same energy state cancel each others orbital angular momentum, provided both electrons have opposite spin?
 
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  • #2
If they're in the same magnetic sublevel state, then they shouldn't cancel each other. They should stand to reinforce each other.

But electrons generally don't fill this way. If they're in a p orbital, and they're the only two electrons, then they generally occupy different magnetic sublevel states. If they're in an s orbital, then their orbital angular momentum is by definition already zero.
 
  • #3
"Doubly occupied" orbitals have no net angular momentum, because the two spinors of each pair are related by time reversal. Their angular momenta therefore exactly cancel out. Some textbooks gloss over this fact and just show you that the two spins are anti-parallel, but it's also true for the orbital angular momentum. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer%27s_theorem"
 
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  • #4
OK, to rehash I have:
Electrons in doubly occupied orbitals have no net angular momentum because the spinors of each electron are related by time reversal and look to Kramer’s Theorem for specifics.

Kramer’s theorem indicates: The energy levels of a system, such as an atom that contains an odd number of spin-½ particles, are at least double degenerate in the absence of an external magnetic field. This degeneracy, known as Kramers degeneracy, is a consequence of time reversal invariance.

Putting this together I think I understand that when a fermion pair occupy an orbital that their spinors are coupled

1. I’m not sure how Kramer’s Theorem applies for a doubly occupied orbital.
2. I’m not sure why the spinors couple?
3. When spinors are coupled how do they cause the cancelation of a "double occupied" orbital angular momentum?
4. Is it because the difference orientation of the particle spin also affects the spinor orientation?
 

Related to Cancelation of electron orbital angular momentum

What is the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum?

The cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum refers to the process by which the angular momentum of an electron in an atom is reduced or canceled out. This can occur when an electron transitions to a lower energy state or is removed from the atom entirely.

What causes the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum?

The cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum is caused by changes in the energy levels of the electron. When an electron moves from a higher energy level to a lower one, its orbital angular momentum decreases. Additionally, when an electron is removed from the atom, its orbital angular momentum is canceled out.

How does the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum affect the atom?

The cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum can affect the atom in different ways. For example, when an electron is removed from the atom, the atom becomes ionized and may have different chemical properties. Additionally, changes in the electron's orbital angular momentum can affect the atom's magnetic properties.

Can the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum be reversed?

Yes, the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum can be reversed. This can occur when an electron absorbs energy and transitions to a higher energy state, increasing its orbital angular momentum. Additionally, if an electron is added to an atom, it can also increase the atom's overall angular momentum.

What are the practical applications of understanding the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum?

Understanding the cancellation of electron orbital angular momentum is essential in many areas of science, including chemistry, physics, and material science. It helps us understand the properties and behavior of atoms and molecules and contributes to the development of new technologies, such as transistors and lasers.

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