Understanding Angular Momentum Addition: A Brief Overview

In summary, the conversation discusses the topic of adding angular momentum and the confusion surrounding it. Somy suggests using Clebsch-Gordan's theorem and recommends searching for resources on the internet, particularly in German. They also mention that Cohen-Tannoudji's book provides a comprehensive and understandable explanation. Daniel agrees and suggests looking into Sakurai's book or any other book on group theory and quantum mechanics. They also mention being taught the intuitive approach by Cohen-Tannoudji.
  • #1
somy
137
0
Hi there.
I was just confused with this addition of angular momentum!
Any useful help or link about the mathematical consepts?
Thanks in advance.
Somy :smile:
 
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  • #2
Clebsch-Gordan's theorem,huh? :-p On the internet i found decent treatments only in German courses.There are some courses on QM in English too,just google:"Clebsch-Gordan coefficients/theorem".The only complete and at the same time comprehendable & nonmathematized version you can find in the old book of Cohen-Tannoudji.A bit more rigurous is the description in Sakurai's "Modern Quantum Mechanics" and a rigurous treatment can be given in the context of group theory and representations.Wigner's book or any other book entitled "Group Theory in/and Quantum Mechanics" will be good enough.Personally I've been taught the intuitive approach by Cohen-Tannoudji.

Daniel.
 
  • #3
Thanks dextercioby.
I'll take a look to sakurai. I don't have the cohen's.
 

FAQ: Understanding Angular Momentum Addition: A Brief Overview

1. What is angular momentum?

Angular momentum is a physical quantity that describes the rotational motion of an object or system. It is the product of an object's moment of inertia and its angular velocity.

2. How is angular momentum calculated?

The formula for calculating angular momentum is L = Iω, where L is angular momentum, I is moment of inertia, and ω is angular velocity. Angular momentum is measured in units of kg*m^2/s.

3. How is angular momentum conserved?

According to the law of conservation of angular momentum, the total angular momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external torques. In other words, if no external forces act on a system, the total angular momentum will remain constant.

4. What is the difference between linear and angular momentum?

Linear momentum is a measure of an object's linear motion, while angular momentum is a measure of an object's rotational motion. Linear momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's mass by its velocity, while angular momentum is calculated by multiplying an object's moment of inertia by its angular velocity.

5. How does the addition of angular momentum work?

In a closed system, the total angular momentum remains constant, but individual objects within the system can transfer angular momentum to each other. This process is known as the addition of angular momentum. It follows the principle of conservation of angular momentum, where the total angular momentum before a collision or interaction is equal to the total angular momentum after the collision or interaction.

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