English

An Explanation of Spin Based on Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics

Quantum Physics 2007-05-23 v5 High Energy Physics - Phenomenology Atomic Physics Classical Physics

Abstract

It is proved that, according to Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics, the trajectory of the center of mass of a neutral system of electrical charges can be deflected by an inhomogeneous magnetic field, even if its internal angular momentum is zero. This challenges the common view about the function of the Stern-Gerlach apparatus, as resolving the eigen-states of an intrinsic angular momentum. Doubts are cast also on the supposed failure of Schrodinger's theory to explain the properties of atoms in presence of magnetic fields without introducing spin variables.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.quant-ph/0305137,
  title  = {An Explanation of Spin Based on Classical Mechanics and Electrodynamics},
  author = {O. Chavoya-Aceves},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:quant-ph/0305137},
  year   = {2007}
}

Comments

11 pages, arguments improved to support the main conclussions

R2 v1 2026-07-22T19:39:31.215Z