Is this superposition state an eigenstate of J^2 and L * S?

In summary, the superposition state -(2/3)^1/2|1,-1;1/2> + (1/3)^1/2|1,0;-1/2> in the |l,m1;ms> basis is an eigenstate of J^2 and L * S, with corresponding eigenvalues given by the action of the operators \hat{\mathbf {J}}^2 and \hat{\mathbf {L}}^2+\hat{\mathbf {S}}^2+2 \hat{\mathbf {L}} \cdot \hat{\mathbf {S}} on the state vector. To determine this, hit each term of the state vector with the operators.
  • #1
Ed Quanta
297
0
Show that the following superposition state in the |l,m1;ms> basis:-(2/3)^1/2|1,-1;1/2> + (1/3)^1/2|1,0;-1/2> is an eigenstate of J^2 and L * S and determine the corresponding eigenvalues.

I have no clue how to start this. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
How do you determine the action of the operators
[tex] \hat{\vec{J}}^{2} ,\hat{\vec{L}}^{2},\hat{\vec{S}}^{2} [/tex]

on any eigenstate...?

Daniel.
 
  • #3
First note that:

[tex]\hat{\mathbf {J}}^2=\hat{\mathbf {J}} \cdot \hat {\mathbf {J}}=(\hat{\mathbf {L}} + \hat{\mathbf {S}}) \cdot (\hat{\mathbf {L}} + \hat{\mathbf {S}}) =\hat{\mathbf {L}}^2 + \hat{\mathbf {S}}^2+2 \hat{\mathbf {L}} \cdot \hat{\mathbf {S}}[/tex]

Hit each term of your state vector with it.

edit: Bloody dexter, his LaTeX is faster than mine. :-p
 
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  • #4
I used "hats" for operators,that's a reason for envy...:wink: :-p

Daniel.

P.S.BTW,i resent the boldface notation of vectors... :-p
 
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  • #5
Nothing a quick edit can't fix. Now my operators don't have cold heads. :smile:
 

FAQ: Is this superposition state an eigenstate of J^2 and L * S?

What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a physical quantity that describes the rotational motion of an object. It is a vector quantity that depends on the mass, velocity, and radius of the object.

How is angular momentum calculated?

The formula for calculating angular momentum is L = Iω, where L is the angular momentum, I is the moment of inertia, and ω is the angular velocity. Moment of inertia is a measure of an object's resistance to changes in its rotational motion.

What is the conservation of angular momentum?

The conservation of angular momentum states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant if there are no external torques acting on the system. In other words, the angular momentum of a system cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transferred between objects.

How does angular momentum relate to rotational kinetic energy?

Angular momentum and rotational kinetic energy are directly related. The rotational kinetic energy of an object is equal to half of its moment of inertia multiplied by the square of its angular velocity. This means that an increase in angular velocity will lead to an increase in both rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum.

What are some real-life examples of angular momentum?

Some real-life examples of angular momentum include spinning tops, rotating planets, and rotating bicycle wheels. In these examples, the objects have a fixed axis of rotation and maintain a constant angular momentum unless acted upon by an external torque.

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