The magnetic moment vectors $\mu_{s}$ and $\mu_{l}$ associated with the intrinsic spin angular momentum $S$ and orbital angular momentum $L$ respectively,of an electron are predicted by quantum theory (and verified experimentally to a high accuracy) to be given by $\mu_{s} = -(e/m)S$ and $\mu_{l} = -(e/2m)L$. Which of these relations is in accordance with the result expected classically? Outline the derivation of the classical result.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(B) The relation $\vec{\mu}_{l} = -(e/2m)\vec{L}$ is in accordance with the classical result.
Derivation:
Consider an electron of mass $m$ and charge $-e$ moving in a circular orbit of radius $r$ with speed $v$ in time period $T$.
The orbital magnetic moment $\mu_{l}$ is given by $\mu_{l} = iA$,where $i = -e/T$ is the current and $A = \pi r^2$ is the area of the orbit.
Thus,$\mu_{l} = (-e/T)(\pi r^2)$.
The orbital angular momentum $L$ is given by $L = mvr$. Since $v = 2\pi r/T$,we have $L = m(2\pi r/T)r = 2\pi mr^2/T$.
Taking the ratio,$\mu_{l}/L = [(-e/T)(\pi r^2)] / [2\pi mr^2/T] = -e/2m$.
Therefore,$\vec{\mu}_{l} = -(e/2m)\vec{L}$.
This shows that $\vec{\mu}_{l}$ and $\vec{L}$ are antiparallel. The relation for spin $\mu_{s} = -(e/m)S$ is purely quantum mechanical and has no classical analogue.

Explore More

Similar Questions

An $\alpha$ particle is revolving in a circle of radius $r$ with frequency $f$. Find the value of its magnetic dipole moment.

An electron revolving in a circular orbit of radius $r$ with velocity $v$ and frequency $f$ has an orbital magnetic moment $M$. If the frequency of revolution is doubled,then the new magnetic moment will be:

$A$ wire of length $2 \, m$ carrying a current of $1 \, A$ is bent to form a circle. The magnetic moment of the coil is

$A$ current of $3 \, A$ is flowing in a plane circular coil of radius $4 \, cm$ and number of turns $20$. The coil is placed in a uniform magnetic field of magnetic induction $0.5 \, T$. The magnetic dipole moment of the coil is $... \, A \cdot m^2$.

$A$ circular loop has a radius of $5\, cm$ and it is carrying a current of $0.1\, A$. Its magnetic moment is

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo