This may seem like a very strange question

  • Thread starter Tjen
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Strange
In summary, creating a quiz with the first 8 answers having possible options of up, down, left, and right is possible for quantum mechanic problems related to spin. However, defining "left" and "right" in this context can be difficult due to the nature of spin in QM. The terms "left-handed" and "right-handed" refer to the helicity and weak interaction of particles, respectively. The notation of "right-handed" for spin follows classical terminology.
  • #1
Tjen
1
0
I'm attempting to create a quiz with the first 8 answers with the possible answers of any of up, down, left, and right... From doing research, I understand this is possible for quantum mechanic problems in reguards to spin. Is this true? I would like to make a believeable college level simple quiz/test that has these answer possibilities for the first 8 question. Please let me know, thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Tjen said:
I'm attempting to create a quiz with the first 8 answers with the possible answers of any of up, down, left, and right... From doing research, I understand this is possible for quantum mechanic problems in reguards to spin. Is this true? I would like to make a believeable college level simple quiz/test that has these answer possibilities for the first 8 question. Please let me know, thanks.
For spin in QM, there is only M_S, which is the spin projection along a chosen axis. This makes "left" and "right" hard to define.
 
  • #3
Meir Achuz said:
For spin in QM, there is only M_S, which is the spin projection along a chosen axis. This makes "left" and "right" hard to define.
What about left-handed and right-handed spin-1/2 particles? Possible question: what is the handedness of the (electron) neutrino?
 
  • #4
koantum said:
What about left-handed and right-handed spin-1/2 particles? Possible question: what is the handedness of the (electron) neutrino?
By convention, "right-handed" for a particle's spin means that the "helicity" is positive (and v-v for LH). Helicity equals the component of a particle's spin along the direction of its momentum. The reason for this designation is probably that, in classical terminology, positive angular momentum component corresponds to right-handed rotation. Even though there is no rotation in the QM spin of an elementary particle, the notation is still used.

The "handedness" of a particle is a bit more involved. It refers to the way the particle interacts in weak interactions. Electrons and neutrinos in beta decay come out with negative helicity and are said to be intrinsically "left-handed". Postrons and antineutrinos are said to be "right-handed".
 
  • #5
Meir Achuz said:
By convention, "right-handed" for a particle's spin means ...
Actually I offered these questions only as example questions for Tjen's quizz. Didn't mean to get an answer!
 

FAQ: This may seem like a very strange question

What exactly is "This may seem like a very strange question" referring to?

"This may seem like a very strange question" is a phrase that is often used to introduce a question or topic that may seem odd or unconventional. It is typically used to acknowledge that the question may not have an obvious or straightforward answer.

Why would someone ask such a strange question?

There are many reasons why someone might ask a strange question. It could be out of genuine curiosity, to spark a thought-provoking discussion, or to challenge traditional ways of thinking. Asking strange questions can also lead to new discoveries and advancements in science and technology.

Is there any value in asking strange questions in scientific research?

Yes, asking strange questions can be extremely valuable in scientific research. It can challenge established theories and lead to new ideas, experiments, and discoveries. It also encourages critical thinking and creativity, which are essential skills in the scientific community.

How can asking strange questions benefit society?

Asking strange questions can benefit society in many ways. It can lead to breakthroughs in medicine, technology, and other areas of science that can improve our quality of life. It can also help us to think outside the box and find solutions to complex problems that we may not have considered otherwise.

Is there such a thing as a "strange" question in science?

In science, there is no such thing as a "strange" question. All questions are considered valid and important in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding. Asking unconventional or unexpected questions can lead to new discoveries and advancements in science, making it a crucial part of the scientific process.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
338
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Back
Top