Angular Momentum

From PhyWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Quantum Mechanics A
SchrodEq.png
Schrödinger Equation
The most fundamental equation of quantum mechanics; given a Hamiltonian , it describes how a state evolves in time.
Basic Concepts and Theory of Motion
UV Catastrophe (Black-Body Radiation)
Photoelectric Effect
Stability of Matter
Double Slit Experiment
Stern-Gerlach Experiment
The Principle of Complementarity
The Correspondence Principle
The Philosophy of Quantum Theory
Brief Derivation of Schrödinger Equation
Relation Between the Wave Function and Probability Density
Stationary States
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Some Consequences of the Uncertainty Principle
Linear Vector Spaces and Operators
Commutation Relations and Simultaneous Eigenvalues
The Schrödinger Equation in Dirac Notation
Transformations of Operators and Symmetry
Time Evolution of Expectation Values and Ehrenfest's Theorem
One-Dimensional Bound States
Oscillation Theorem
The Dirac Delta Function Potential
Scattering States, Transmission and Reflection
Motion in a Periodic Potential
Summary of One-Dimensional Systems
Harmonic Oscillator Spectrum and Eigenstates
Analytical Method for Solving the Simple Harmonic Oscillator
Coherent States
Charged Particles in an Electromagnetic Field
WKB Approximation
The Heisenberg Picture: Equations of Motion for Operators
The Interaction Picture
The Virial Theorem
Commutation Relations
Angular Momentum as a Generator of Rotations in 3D
Spherical Coordinates
Eigenvalue Quantization
Orbital Angular Momentum Eigenfunctions
General Formalism
Free Particle in Spherical Coordinates
Spherical Well
Isotropic Harmonic Oscillator
Hydrogen Atom
WKB in Spherical Coordinates
Feynman Path Integrals
The Free-Particle Propagator
Propagator for the Harmonic Oscillator
Differential Cross Section and the Green's Function Formulation of Scattering
Central Potential Scattering and Phase Shifts
Coulomb Potential Scattering

In this chapter, we will discuss the treatment of angular momentum in quantum mechanics. The quantization of angular momentum was first observed in the Stern-Gerlach experiment in 1922 through the deflection of silver atoms passing through a spatially inhomogeneous magnetic field. We will show how this quantization is formulated mathematically within the framework of modern quantum mechanics, as opposed to the old quantum theory that the Stern-Gerlach experiment was intended to test.

We will derive the commutation relations satisfied by the components of the angular momentum operator and show that only the magnitude and one component of the angular momentum may be determined exactly. Both will turn out to be quantized. We also show that angular momentum acts as a generator of rotations, similarly to how linear momentum generates translations. Finally, we find the common eigenfunctions of the magnitude of the orbital angular momentum squared and of one of its components, which are the spherical harmonics.

Chapter Contents