Exercises for
Spin Precession of Quantum-mechanical Spin-1/2 Systems

The curricular material uses the OSP Spins program to show the effect of measurement on an ensemble of spin-1/2 particles.  In the virtual experiment, a beam of spin-1/2 particles leaves an oven incident on one or multiple ideal analyzers (ideal Stern-Gerlach apparatus) the result of which is detected as a click on a detector.

Before performing these virtual experiments it is important to first look over the tutorial and the tutorial exercises.

NOTE: In these exercises a beam of spin-1/2 particles (in this case, electrons) leaves an oven incident on an ideal Stern-Gerlach apparatus oriented in a particular direction.  The beam is then split into |+> and |−> components and each component is sent through a magnet (red) of and then on to another ideal Stern-Gerlach apparatus before being detected at the counters. 

You may click on a blue SG apparatus to change its orientation, but black SG apparatus cannot have their orientation changed.  The known magnets' strengths and orientations can be changed.  The beam of electrons is sent through the magnet for a fixed time equal to t = 2πmec/36|e|.  The number appearing on a magnet, therefore (see the tutorial) represents ωt in degrees.

You can change the strength of a magnet by clicking on the number or by clicking the number and holding down the mouse.

 

Navigate to the files within this directory to access the exercises and the simulations.