Why is my Angular Momentum Homework Solution Incorrect?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the incorrect approach to constructing angular momentum states for a system with total angular momentum |J=1/2, M=1/2>. The user attempts to express this state as a linear combination of basis states but is informed that direct construction of J=1/2 states is not valid. The confusion arises from the application of the raising operator and the interpretation of the coefficients, which should reflect relative values rather than absolute ones. A sign mistake in the coefficients is noted, but the primary issue lies in the misunderstanding of how to properly combine angular momentum states. Clarification on these points is essential for resolving the homework problem.
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Homework Statement


So I'm told I can't do it this way but I was wondering if anyone could clarify as to why? We're given |J=\frac{1}{2},M = \frac{1}{2}\!> where j_1 = 1 \, and \, j_2 = \frac{1}{2}

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


So this can be composed as a linear combination:
| \frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}\!> = C_1 |1 1\!>|\frac{1}{2} -\frac{1}{2}\!> + C_2 |10\!> \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}\!>
Applying the raising operator to both sides J_+ gives:
0 = C_1 |1 1\!>|\frac{1}{2} \frac{1}{2}\!> + \sqrt{2}C_2 |11\!> \frac{1}{2}\frac{1}{2}\!> so that C_1 = -\sqrt{2}C_2 \, and \, C^2_1 + C^2_2 = 1 \, implies \, C_2 = \frac{1}{\sqrt3} \, and \, C_1 = \frac{\sqrt2}{\sqrt3}
But, I'm told this is wrong, why and thank you.
 
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Other than a sign mistake — one of the constants should be negative — it looks fine to me.
 
I was told that this is true but that you cannot construct J=1/2 states directly, moreover that the coefficients are relative?
 
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