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Home/Chemistry/Stern–Gerlach Beam (Cartoon)

Stern–Gerlach Beam (Cartoon)

Silver-like beam through an inhomogeneous B-field: atoms deflect to two detectors illustrating S_z = ±ℏ/2.

Atomic beam

2.2/s
1×

Each atom carries spin ±½; the inhomogeneous field couples μ·B and separates the beam. Counters illustrate convergence to 50/50 for an unpolarized source.

Measured values

Detected +z0
Detected −z0
Fraction +z—

About this model

A qualitative animation of an unpolarized atomic beam passing through a region of inhomogeneous magnetic field. Each atom is assigned a random spin projection ±½; the cartoon gradient applies opposite transverse kicks, sending atoms toward two detector channels. Counts illustrate the approach to 50/50 statistics for a symmetric unpolarized source. This complements the sequential Stern–Gerlach probability simulator, which emphasizes projection rules rather than spatial trajectories.

Who it's for: Modern physics lectures introducing spin quantization and the Stern–Gerlach gedankenexperiment.

Key terms

  • Stern–Gerlach
  • Spin-½
  • Quantum Measurement
  • Magnetic Dipole

How it works

A qualitative Stern–Gerlach cartoon: silver-like atoms in a beam enter an inhomogeneous magnetic region and are steered up or down according to spin projection S_z = ±ℏ/2. Compare with the sequential SG probability simulator.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a literal solution of the force equation μ·∇B on trajectories?
No. It is a schematic visualization: random outcomes ±½ and stylized deflections illustrate the discrete spectrum of S_z. A full semiclassical or wave-packet treatment would track spatial splitting more carefully.