Question

About Stern-Gerlach Experiment, which one is \textit{not true?}

• A. It is possible with both atoms and ions
• B. Gives evidence of electron spin
• C. It is observed with atoms whose ground state is \( 1S_0 \)
• D. It is observed with atoms whose ground state is \( 2S_{1/2} \)

Hint:

Stern-Gerlach experiment provides direct evidence of electron spin quantization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The Stern-Gerlach experiment demonstrates the quantization of electron spin by passing a beam of atoms through a non-uniform magnetic field, leading to discrete splitting.
- It is mainly observed with atoms having non-zero total angular momentum.
- Atoms in the \( 2S_{1/2} \) state exhibit the expected behavior.
- However, the \( 1S_0 \) state corresponds to **zero total angular momentum**, meaning it does not exhibit Stern-Gerlach splitting.