Total angular momentum state using two ways

In summary, the conversation discusses the addition of two angular momenta J = J1 + J2, with j1=j2=1, and finding the eigenstates of the total angular momentum I jm > in terms of product states I j1 m1 j2 m2 > in two ways. The first method involves using the Clebsch-Gordan coefficients table, while the second method involves finding the state with m1 = m2 = 1 and applying J- repeatedly to obtain all other states. The j = 1 states are found by forming a linear combination of the two states with m1 + m2 = 1, and the j = 0 state is found by forming a linear combination of the three
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Consider addition of two angular momenta J = J1 + J2 , with j1=j2=1. Find the eigenstates of the total angular momentum I jm > in terms of the product states I j1 m1 j2 m2 > in two ways
(a) Make use of the tables of the Clebech _Gordan coefficients
(b) The state with m1 = m2 = 1 must be a state with j = m = 2 (why?). Apply J- repeatedly to this state to obtain all other states of j = 2. Form an appropriate linear combination of the two states with m1 + m2 =1 to obtain the state with j =1 , and m =1 . Find the other j = 1 states by applying J- repeatedly. Finally, find the j = m = 0 state by forming an appropriate linear combination of the three states with m1 + m2 = 0.
(c) Compare the results in (a) and (b).I don't know how to use Clebech - Gordand coefficients, so please explain details using the table.
 
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That is the Clebsch-Gordan (CG) coefficient table for some values of ##j_1## and ##j_2##. The one you will be interested in is that in the bottom left denoted by (1x1). The way to read this table can be found in the upper right part of the picture. There you see that the composite state represented as ##|j,m\rangle## is specified by the pair of numbers in the upper part of each CG coefficient table. For example, the state ##|j=2,m=1\rangle## can be found in the second column. The two values ordered vertically below it: 1/2 and 1/2 tell you the coefficient of the state ##|j=2,m=1\rangle## when it is expanded in the ##|m_1\rangle |m_2\rangle## basis, after adding the square root. In this case you have
$$
|j=2,m=1\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|m_1=1\rangle |m_2=0\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|m_1=0\rangle |m_2=1\rangle
$$
or simply
$$
|2,1\rangle = \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|1\rangle |0\rangle + \sqrt{\frac{1}{2}}|0\rangle |1\rangle
$$
 
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FAQ: Total angular momentum state using two ways

1. What is total angular momentum state?

Total angular momentum state is a quantum mechanical concept that describes the total angular momentum of a system, including the spin and orbital angular momentum of all its constituent particles.

2. What are the two ways of determining total angular momentum state?

The two ways of determining total angular momentum state are by using the vector model and the tensor model. The vector model involves calculating the total angular momentum as a vector sum of the individual angular momenta, while the tensor model involves calculating the total angular momentum as a tensor product of the individual angular momenta.

3. How is total angular momentum state used in quantum mechanics?

Total angular momentum state is used in quantum mechanics to describe the properties and behavior of particles and systems at the atomic and subatomic level. It is a fundamental quantity in many quantum mechanical equations and plays a crucial role in understanding the structure and interactions of particles.

4. Can total angular momentum state change?

Yes, total angular momentum state can change through processes such as angular momentum transfer, spin flips, and spin-orbit coupling. These changes can occur due to interactions between particles or external fields, and can result in transitions between different quantum states.

5. How is total angular momentum state related to conservation laws?

Total angular momentum state is related to conservation laws, specifically the conservation of angular momentum. This means that the total angular momentum of a closed system remains constant over time unless acted upon by an external torque. This principle is a fundamental law of nature and has important implications in many areas of physics.

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