Angular Momentum in Quantum Mechanics

Angular momentum in quantum mechanics represents the rotational equivalent of linear momentum. In matrix mechanics, it is described using operators that act on quantum states, analogous to how classical angular momentum depends on position and momentum. Instead of precise values, particles possess quantized angular momentum, meaning they can only have specific values, often linked to their spin and orbital motion. This quantization leads to phenomena such as atomic orbitals and the behavior of particles in magnetic fields. Understanding angular momentum helps explain the structure of atoms and the behavior of particles at microscopic scales.