Stern-Gerlach experiment when magnetic field varies from 0 to B

In summary, the Stern-Gerlach Experiment involves a beam of silver atoms passing through a magnetic field B, resulting in the separation of the beam into two beams, Spin_Up and Spin_Down. The distance between these two beams can be measured, and it is dependent on the gradient of the magnetic field. There is a direct proportionality between the distance and B, and a formula can be used to calculate this relationship. However, there is also a minimum value of B that will trigger either Spin_Up or Spin_Down, which suggests a quantification in the interaction between B and the spin.
  • #1
owlal85
5
0
Hello,
in the Stern-Gerlach Experiment a beam of silver atoms passes through a magnetic field B and is separated in two beams Spin_Up and Spin_Down and a distance can be mesured between Up and Down

My question is what happen B varies from 0 to Bmax ?
Is the distance between Up and Down trace proportional to B ? Any formula ?

Or, is there a minimun value of B that triggers Up or Down ? And then no proportionality...
Which means a kind of quantification in the interaction between B and the Spin .

Thanks
 
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Related to Stern-Gerlach experiment when magnetic field varies from 0 to B

1. What is the purpose of the Stern-Gerlach experiment?

The Stern-Gerlach experiment is a scientific experiment designed to demonstrate the existence of quantized angular momentum. It involves passing a beam of silver atoms through a non-uniform magnetic field, which causes the beam to split into two distinct paths, indicating that the atoms have only two possible orientations of their angular momentum.

2. How does the magnetic field affect the results of the Stern-Gerlach experiment?

The strength and orientation of the magnetic field can greatly impact the outcome of the Stern-Gerlach experiment. When the magnetic field is set to zero, the atoms are not deflected and the beam remains undisturbed. However, as the magnetic field is increased to a certain value, the beam splits into two paths, indicating the quantization of angular momentum. If the magnetic field is further increased, the two paths merge back together, indicating that the atoms have reached their maximum angular momentum state and cannot be further split.

3. What is the significance of the splitting of the beam in the Stern-Gerlach experiment?

The splitting of the beam in the Stern-Gerlach experiment is significant because it provides evidence for the existence of quantized angular momentum in atoms. This discovery challenged the classical understanding of atomic structure and played a crucial role in the development of quantum mechanics.

4. How does the Stern-Gerlach experiment demonstrate the quantization of angular momentum?

The Stern-Gerlach experiment demonstrates the quantization of angular momentum by showing that the silver atoms can only have two possible orientations of their angular momentum, rather than a continuous range of values as predicted by classical physics. This is due to the fact that the magnetic field can only interact with the atoms in discrete units, known as quanta, which results in the splitting of the beam into two distinct paths.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Stern-Gerlach experiment?

The Stern-Gerlach experiment has had a significant impact on our understanding of atomic structure and quantum mechanics. It has also been used to develop technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electron spin resonance, which have numerous applications in medicine, chemistry, and materials science. Additionally, the principles of the Stern-Gerlach experiment have been applied in the development of quantum computers and other quantum technologies.

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