Physics:Quantum atoms/spin

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Short description: Intrinsic angular momentum of a quantum particle


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Spin is an intrinsic form of angular momentum carried by an electron and other quantum particles. It is a fundamental property that does not correspond to classical rotation.

File:Electron spin.png

Spin states of an electron, often described as "up" or "down".

Description

Spin is quantized and can take discrete values. For electrons, spin has two possible states, commonly referred to as "spin-up" and "spin-down". These states play a central role in determining how electrons occupy orbitals.

Spin is essential for understanding atomic structure, magnetic properties, and the Pauli exclusion principle.

Properties

  • intrinsic quantum property
  • related to angular momentum
  • determines electron pairing in atoms

See also

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Index

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References


Author: Harold Foppele