How come you can express the up and down spins

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In summary, spin in particles is a quantum mechanical property that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is not the same as classical spinning and is necessary to explain their behavior and interactions at the quantum level. The spin of a particle can be indirectly measured through experiments and observations, and it can change through interactions with other particles or external influences. This concept has practical applications in fields such as quantum computing, MRI, and nuclear power.
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dudy
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I don't understand the following regarding spin:
1. How come you can express the up and down spins in any given direction, using the |+>,|-> in the z direction?
2. Why do I need two vectors (|->,|+>) to express a quantity that can only be either (1) or (-1) ?
 
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FAQ: How come you can express the up and down spins

How does spin work in particles?

The concept of spin in particles is a quantum mechanical property that describes the intrinsic angular momentum of a particle. It is not the same as the classical spinning of a physical object, but rather a fundamental property that cannot be fully understood or visualized in classical terms.

Why do some particles have up and down spin states?

The spin states of particles are a result of the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. In the same way that electrons can have two opposite spin states, up and down, other particles such as protons and neutrons also have spin states. These states are necessary to explain the behavior and interactions of particles at the quantum level.

How do you measure the spin of a particle?

The spin of a particle cannot be directly measured, but rather it is inferred from the results of experiments and observations. One way to indirectly measure spin is through the use of magnetic fields, which can interact differently with particles depending on their spin state.

Can the spin of a particle change?

Yes, the spin of a particle can change through interactions with other particles or through external influences such as magnetic fields. However, the total angular momentum of a system is always conserved, meaning that any change in the spin of one particle must be balanced by an equal and opposite change in another particle.

How is spin used in practical applications?

The concept of spin has many practical applications in fields such as quantum computing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear power. Understanding and controlling spin states is essential for these technological advancements and continues to be a topic of research in the scientific community.

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