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h1010134
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E.g. electrons. From other posts and Wikipedia, it apparently isn't the speed at which the particles rotate, so what the heck is it?
h1010134 said:I have read them. Topics and subsequent replies deal with what particles have what spin, and why they have that particular spin value. None of them actually asks the question : what is spin.
Spin is a fundamental property of subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, that describes their intrinsic angular momentum. It is not the same as the physical spinning motion of a macroscopic object, but rather a quantum mechanical property that can have two possible values: up or down.
Spin is measured in units of angular momentum called "spin quantum numbers". These numbers are assigned based on the particle's behavior in a magnetic field, with up spin having a positive value and down spin having a negative value. The actual measurement of spin is done through experiments using particle accelerators and other advanced technologies.
Spin is a crucial aspect of subatomic particles that helps explain their behavior and interactions. It is a key factor in determining the stability, charge, and magnetic properties of particles. Without spin, many fundamental principles of physics, such as the Pauli exclusion principle, would not hold true.
Yes, spin can change through interactions with other particles or external forces. For example, when an electron is in a magnetic field, its spin can flip from up to down or vice versa. This phenomenon, known as spin-flip, is an essential part of many processes in quantum mechanics.
The spin of subatomic particles, particularly electrons, plays a significant role in determining the overall structure of an atom. The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers, including spin. This principle, along with the spin of electrons, dictates the arrangement of electrons in different energy levels and determines the properties of elements and their chemical behavior.