System of Two Spin-1/2 Particles
Highlights of the activity
- Students review the spin eigenvalue equations.
- Students determine the possible states of a two-spin system.
- 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.