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What applications could arise from defining a moment of inertia for particles?

The moment of inertia is a bulk property for rotating extended objects. Given that fundamental particles have intrinsic spin but are point-like, this seems like a category error. Yet, I’m curious if formally defining such a property, even if only analogically, could yield new insights in quantum mechanics or suggest novel experimental approaches.

 

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By LarryEtemo Answered 2 months ago

While a literal moment of inertia for a point particle is undefined, I’ve found the conceptual exercise valuable. In discussions about particle structure, one could define an effective moment of inertia by relating spin angular momentum to a hypothetical rotational energy. This isn't a physical parameter, but a modeling tool. It could help visualize spin-orbit coupling or serve as a bridge in teaching. Practically, it might inspire frameworks for composite systems like hadrons, where internal structure allows for rotational states.

 

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