The spins play a noteworthy role in quantum mechanics in computing the characteristics of elementary units like electrons. The spin direction of the particle regulates several things like the spin quantum number, angular momentum, the degree of freedom, etc. Let us learn more about the electron spin in this segment.
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What is Electron Spin?
The electron spin is one of the three inherent properties of the electrons; the others are the mass and charge of the electron. The electron spin is described as the electron spinning around its axis.
It is articulated as:
Where,
- s is equivalent to a quantized spin vector.
- The spin vector is articulated as ||s||.
- The spin quantum number (s) is associated with the spin angular momentum and h is Planck’s constant.
The spin quantum number can be articulated as:
The permitted values of the spins are 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, etc.
The intrinsic angular momentum of the Electron is signified by quantum number 1/2
The total angular momentum s is articulated by:
Where,
the reduced Planck’s constant is ℏ
ℏ = h/2π.
Electron Spin Theory
As in classical theory, the electron spin theory describes the electron as a quantum particle instead of a simple sphere.
The theory says that “the electron spin direction and its influence on certain properties like the atom’s magnetic properties”.
The electron can spin in two directions:
- Spin up
- Spin down
The spin up and spin down directions correspond to the spinning in the “+z” or “–z” direction. These spins (spin up and spin down) are the particles that have spin “s” equal to 1/2, i.e. for electrons.
Watch the video and understand the rules of electronic configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What are the three inherent properties of the electrons?
- Mass
- Charge of the electron
- Electron spin
What are the two directions in which an electron spins?
-
Electron spins in two directions:
- Spin up
- Spin down
What is the formula to calculate the spin quantum number?
What is the formula to calculate the electron spin?
Electron spin is given by the formula:
State true or false: The spin quantum number explains the unique quantum state of an electron.
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