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System of Two Spin-1/2 Particles

Keywords: Quantum Mechanics, Spin, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors, Matrix

Highlights of the activity

  1. Students review the spin eigenvalue equations.
  2. Students determine the possible states of a two-spin system.
  3. Students find the matrix representations of operators in the two-spin system.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This activity includes a review of the spin eigenvalue equations and an introduction to the uncoupled basis of the system of two spin-1/2 particles. Students come to understand the uncoupled system basis and the uncoupled system operators. This activity prepares students for the hydrogen hyperfine structure problem.

Reflections

Instructor's Guide

qmtwospinguide.doc

qmtwospinguide.pdf

qmtwospinguide.tex


Authors: David H. McIntyre
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