Stern-Gerlach Experiment
A landmark 1922 experiment that proved space quantization and the intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of subatomic particles.
Governing formula
F_z = μ_z (∂B_z / ∂z), S_z = ± ℏ / 2
SI unit
N (Force), J/T (Magnetic Moment)
In depth
Otto Stern and Walther Gerlach passed a beam of neutral silver atoms through an inhomogeneous magnetic field. Instead of a continuous spatial spread, the beam split into two distinct discrete components, demonstrating space quantization of electron spin (s = 1/2).
Examples in the real world
Fundamental historical proof of electron spin quantization forming the basis for atomic beam deflection experiments.