Madam Wu's Experiment: Exploring Electron Behaviour in a Magnetic Field

In summary, the conversation is discussing the results of Madam Wu's experiment which showed that there were more electrons pointing in the opposite direction of the magnetic field than in the same direction. The figures referenced show that there should be an equal number of electrons in both directions, raising questions about the accuracy of the experiment. While statistically the results are the same, for individual atoms, only the spin matters.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
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Why in Madam Wu experiment more electrons are not in direction of magnetic field? See Fig. Why there is not four electrons in the direction of magnetic field and two in oposite direction?
 

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  • #2
Which figure do you mean? And where does the image come from?

They might have gotten the spin wrong in the second picture. Not sure what that is supposed to be.
 
  • #3
I attached the Fig. Yes but if there is more electrons in the direction of field it will be also parity violation. My question is why there is more electrons in the oposite direction?
 
  • #4
LagrangeEuler said:
I attached the Fig.
Well, the image has 4 figures in it.
LagrangeEuler said:
Yes but if there is more electrons in the direction of field it will be also parity violation.
More spins point in the direction of the magnetic field, so in terms of statistics, both things are the same. For individual atoms, only the spin matters.
 
  • #5
See Fig a)
 

FAQ: Madam Wu's Experiment: Exploring Electron Behaviour in a Magnetic Field

1. What is the purpose of Madam Wu's Experiment?

The purpose of Madam Wu's Experiment is to explore the behavior of electrons in a magnetic field. This experiment helps us understand the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and how it affects the movement of charged particles.

2. How does Madam Wu's Experiment work?

In the experiment, a beam of electrons is passed through a magnetic field. The electrons are deflected in different directions depending on their velocity and the strength of the magnetic field. This allows us to study the relationship between magnetic fields and the movement of charged particles.

3. What are the potential applications of Madam Wu's Experiment?

Madam Wu's Experiment has many potential applications, such as in the development of new technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and particle accelerators. It also helps us understand the behavior of electrons in materials, which has implications for electronics and materials science.

4. What were the results of Madam Wu's Experiment?

The results of Madam Wu's Experiment confirmed the existence of the "spin" of electrons, which is a fundamental property that affects their behavior in a magnetic field. The experiment also showed that the spin of electrons is quantized, meaning it can only take on certain values.

5. What impact did Madam Wu's Experiment have on the field of physics?

Madam Wu's Experiment had a significant impact on the field of physics, as it provided evidence for the existence of the electron's spin and helped shape our understanding of electromagnetism. It also paved the way for further research and advancements in the field of particle physics.

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