L and S Coupling

[krasmus]

So we have three options available with L=1, S=1. J can take the values of 1+1=2, 1+1-1=1, 1+1-1-1=0. The first option (J=2) makes the most sense when both L and S are parallel and pointing in the same direction as this takes more energy and a stronger coupling. Therefore, when they are parallel but pointing in opposite directions it is the lowest energy state (J=0) as there is the least amount of coupling. And lastly if they are perpendicular to each other there is an “average” amount of coupling (J=1).

[Author]

Posts