Answer to Question #154870 in Quantum Mechanics for ali

Question

In Stern-Gerlach experiment, calculate the force being exerted on the silver atoms due to the inhomogeneous magnetic field and hence calculate the maximum displacement occurs between the traces. 

Answer 1

Answer

The inhomogenous of the magnetic field means that the atoms experience a sideways force given by

$F_z=-\frac{d U}{dz}$

Where U = −µ · B = −µ_zB is the potential energy of the silver atom in the magneic field becomes as

$F_z=\mu_z\frac{d U}{dz}$

Now,

maximum displacement occurs between the trace is given by

$Z=F_z(\frac{(d_1(d_1/2+d_2)) }{MV^2})$

Diagram can be shown as