System of Two Spin-1/2 Particles

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

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version

qmtwospinguide.doc

qmtwospinguide.pdf

qmtwospinguide.tex