Why do all fermions have the same spin 1/2?

In summary, all fermions have a spin of 1/2 due to their classification as particles that obey the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two identical fermions can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This intrinsic property of fermions arises from their underlying quantum field theory, where they are described by half-integer spin representations of the Lorentz group, leading to their characteristic behavior and the formation of matter. The spin-1/2 nature of fermions is fundamental to the structure of the Standard Model of particle physics and is essential for explaining the properties of atoms and the stability of matter.
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Shen712
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TL;DR Summary
Why do all fermions have the same spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##, regardless of their different masses?
We are taught that all fermions have spin ##\frac{1}{2}##, short for spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##, which can be added to the orbital angular momentum. Considering spin is a kind of angular momentum, it must be dependent on the mass (or moment of inertia) of the particle. However, different fermions, such as proton, neutron, quarks, neutrinos, and electron, have different masses. But why do they have the same spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##?
 
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Shen712 said:
TL;DR Summary: Why do all fermions have the same spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##, regardless of their different masses?

We are taught that all fermions have spin ##\frac{1}{2}##, short for spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##, which can be added to the orbital angular momentum. Considering spin is a kind of angular momentum, it must be dependent on the mass (or moment of inertia) of the particle. However, different fermions, such as proton, neutron, quarks, neutrinos, and electron, have different masses. But why do they have the same spin angular momentum ##\frac{\hbar}{2}##?
The quantisation of angular momentum is a stunning achievement of mathematical physics. Angular momentum cannot take any value, but but only multiples of ##\frac \hbar 2##.
 
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PeroK said:
The quantisation of angular momentum is a stunning achievement of mathematical physics. Angular momentum cannot take any value, but but only multiples of ##\frac \hbar 2##.
OP’s question was why all fermions have spin 1/2 though. They don’t.
 
  • #6
Orodruin said:
OP’s question was why all fermions have spin 1/2 though. They don’t.
He also suggested that spin AM should be dependent on a mass-related moment of inertia. It isn't.
 
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The Δ is an example, but the Ω- is an even more famous one. It's not clear to me how a PhD particle physicist like the OP managed not to come across it, ever.
 
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The answer has been given, i.e. the false assumptions in the OP's question have been addressed so it doesn't make sense to discuss this specific subject any further.

This thread is closed.
 

FAQ: Why do all fermions have the same spin 1/2?

Why do all fermions have the same spin 1/2?

Fermions have spin 1/2 due to the intrinsic properties of particles described by quantum mechanics and the Pauli exclusion principle. This spin value is a fundamental characteristic of fermions, distinguishing them from bosons, which have integer spins.

What is the significance of spin 1/2 for fermions?

The spin 1/2 property of fermions is crucial for the structure of matter. It leads to the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that no two fermions can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously. This principle underlies the arrangement of electrons in atoms and the stability of matter.

How is spin 1/2 determined for fermions?

Spin 1/2 for fermions is determined by the representation theory of the rotation group in quantum mechanics. Fermions are described by spinor representations, which inherently have half-integer spin values, with the simplest non-trivial case being 1/2.

Do all fermions have exactly the same spin 1/2 value?

Yes, all fundamental fermions, such as electrons, quarks, and neutrinos, have a spin of 1/2. This uniformity is a consequence of the underlying symmetries in the Standard Model of particle physics.

Can fermions have spins other than 1/2?

In the context of fundamental particles, fermions always have spin 1/2. However, composite particles made up of multiple fermions, such as baryons (e.g., protons and neutrons), can have different effective spins, but these are not fundamental fermions themselves.

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