Do charged particles always have spin?

In summary, spin is a fundamental property of particles that have a non-zero mass, electric charge, and magnetic moment. It is not the same as angular momentum, which refers to the rotational motion of a particle or object. Spin affects the behavior of charged particles by determining their magnetic properties, interactions with electromagnetic fields, and energy levels. According to the Standard Model of particle physics, particles can only have integer or half-integer spin values. The spin of a charged particle can change through interactions or external forces, but the total angular momentum of a system is always conserved.
  • #1
synch
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(Apologies for a basic question) Do charged particles always have spin ? Maybe a better question is, are charge and spin always associated ?
 
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  • #2
Charged pions have an electric charge but J=0.

All charged elementary particles we know have a spin - because the (uncharged) Higgs boson is the only spin 0 particle we know.
We know uncharged elementary particles with spin - neutrinos.
 
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  • #3
mfb said:
We know uncharged elementary particles with spin - neutrinos.
And photons!
And Z-bosons.

Gluons are also electrically uncharged but carry color charge.
 
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  • #4
Thanks !
 

FAQ: Do charged particles always have spin?

Do all charged particles have spin?

Yes, all charged particles have spin. Spin is an intrinsic property of particles, meaning it is a fundamental characteristic that cannot be changed or removed. This includes particles such as electrons, protons, and even more complex particles like atoms.

Can charged particles have different spin values?

Yes, charged particles can have different spin values. Spin is quantized, meaning it can only take certain discrete values. The spin value of a particle is determined by its type and can range from 0 to 2 (in units of Planck's constant divided by 2π).

How does spin affect the behavior of charged particles?

Spin affects the behavior of charged particles in several ways. For example, it can determine how a particle interacts with magnetic fields, how it scatters off other particles, and even how it contributes to the overall spin of a larger system.

Is spin the same as angular momentum?

No, spin is not the same as angular momentum. While both are related to rotational motion, spin is a property of particles, while angular momentum is a property of a system. Additionally, spin is quantized, while angular momentum can take on any value.

Can the spin of a charged particle change?

Yes, the spin of a charged particle can change. This can happen through interactions with other particles or through external forces, such as magnetic fields. However, the spin value itself cannot be altered, as it is a fundamental property of the particle.

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