PART I

INTRODUCTORY SUPPORTIVE EVIDENCES

Stern-Gerlach

In 1921, the Stern-Gerlach experiment results were inexplicable from then current classical models and the results became part of the quantum description of the atom and of the theory.  Otto Stern devised a non-homogenous magnet experiment, (one pole to a linear point and the opposite pole flat), where in vaporized silver atoms in a small stream were drawn through a magnetic field in a vacuum chamber.  It had the effect of lining up the silver atoms along a specific coordinate. At the target area, a classical result would have had a large number of silver atoms impacting at the center and decreasing amounts flaring to the outer radius of the target area.  Much to Stern's and Gerlach's surprise the results showed a splitting of the impact area and atoms not hitting at the center target area.  Quantum theorists have used this experiment as the basis for space quantization asserting only quantum theory and philosophy can explain the results. The two trace marks left on the silver target area were explained in strict quantum terms when Uhlenbeck and Goudschmidt discovered electron spin.  The electrons hit the target area leaving the two trace marks which were the result of the + 1/2 or - 1/2 spin of the electrons. The above phenomena can be deciphered by using a dipolar atom model as depicted by the Circular Model. A basic feature is a positive-negative magnetic polarity within each atom.           

Where does the magnetic moment originate?  The quantum probability electron cloud of smeared electrons does not address the issue. Gerhard Herzberg's classic book on atomic spectra and structure suggests, “There is also the further fact that the magnetic moment is produced by inner electrons” [1]. The Circular Model of the Atom has a feature common to all atoms, namely, a positive and negative polarity field. As more and more electrons are added for the various elements, a flip occurs in crossing the polarity line that results in electrons being either +1/2 orientation in the positive field or -1/2 orientation in the negative field.  The law of alternation of multiplicities operates here. A result is that all elements have this polarity feature and that all elements going through a Stern-Gerlach experiment will have traces appearing on the target area from the two types of spin.  The various trace patterns are a result of a dipole atom with positive and negative fields which when coupled with the various elements angular momentum give the distinct configuration of the traces.  A dipole approach does not require elimination of classical concepts.  True, early classical atomic descriptions were not sufficient to explain Stern-Gerlach, but neither has quantum theory been complete.  The Circular Model gives the visual certitude that early classical and present quantum theory lack.

[1] Herzberg, G., 1944. Atomic Spectra & Atomic Structure. New York: Prentice-Hall, p. 208.

previous

next