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March 3, 2026Wuli yu gongcheng.0 citationsOpen Access

A Comment on the Work and Potential Energy of a Magnetic Moment in an External Magnetic Field

CLChun LIU

Key Points

  • The potential energy of a magnetic dipole reveals significant differences between quantum mechanics and classical electrodynamics.
  • In classical scenarios, magnetic dipoles have no potential energy in an external magnetic field, whereas quantum mechanics provides a contrasting view.
  • Classical electrodynamics focuses on electromagnetic induction while the quantum approach emphasizes the role of electron spin in energy calculations.
  • Understanding these differences may deepen insights into the relationship between classical and quantum electrodynamic principles.

Abstract

In classical electrodynamics, the work of a magnetic dipole (current loop) done by external magnetic field is related to electromagnetic induction, and there is generally no potential energy conceptionally. In quantum mechanics, a magnetic dipole (electron spin) does have potential energy in an external magnetic field. We discuss the subtle differences between classical and quantum situations, and try to understand their relation in a natural way.

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Cite This Study

Chun LIU (2024) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a76613badf0bb9e87db944https://doi.org/10.26599/phys.2024.9320501
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