Angular Momentum, Magnetic Dipole Moment, and Classical Picture of Gyromagnetic Ratio

Abstract

Previously we have interpreted the concept of pseudovector as the cross product of two real vectors using the example of torque. In this paper we investigate other two pseudovectors which can be defined in the same manner: the angular momentum and the magnetic dipole moment. The applications of these pseudovectors are introduced and reviewed both in mechanics and electromagnetism. Finally, a classical picture for the gyromagnetic ratio of fundamental particles is discussed to help students understand the nontrivial physics beneath particles.