What is Quantum Mechanical Spin?

Prof. Morello explains why spin does not mean the particle is actually spinning. Subatomic particles like the electron, neutron, and proton have spin, which means they act like tiny bar magnets. This can be used in quantum computing applications.

We thank the UNSW School of Physics Demonstration Unit for providing the double pendulum.

[wima_mohammad]

we need more metal musician teaching science

[winkletter]

One step closer to understanding quantum mechanics. Seven billion more steps to go. :-)

[veritasium]

the 1/sqrt2 is a 'normalization' meaning that the probability of finding the electron in any state at all must be one. So that factor is there because otherwise you'd have a 200% chance of finding an electron in any state at all. The +/- signs he discusses are associated with having electrons in the same phase or opposite phase - the best analogy is the double pendulum.

[sadsalidhalskdjhsald]

This is great, brilliant in fact. I just have one question... what?

[lupinearsenalALT]

This guy is good but that doesn't keep my brains from blowing up into pieces and splattering everywhere in my dorm after the pendulum energy model.

[sparrowhawk]

Uhm, yeah. Could you repeat the part where you said the things about the stuff?

[blowmeliberal]

Unfortunately, the act of talking about or lecturing on quantum mechanics changes the description of quantum mechanics.  Which is why it's so hard to understand.

[NicklausSIR]

The pendulum thing blew my mind. I guess it's clearer to me when you transpose it to the more intuitive newtonian mechanics. 

[krzykris]

The most clear, concise, and understandable explanation of spin I've heard. I wish I had this guy as my quantum mechanics professor 25 years ago.

[fletcherwilson]

yes, please get rid of loud sound at 8:27 Veritasium for future videos. Great video, but people listen with headphones...

[doodelay]

I will subscribe to see more of this guy, he was amazingly precise and interesting

[derek]

haha, ok, point taken. I think the trouble may be the rest of the interview is too quiet but I'll try to get the balance right.

[dorinori]

This blew my mind. And at the end it blew my eardrums

[lancetschirhart]

4:30 I love his face here, like "Pretty badass, right?"

[KFGChris]

0:59 When I hear "purely quantum mechanical" I associate "Noone knows what it is, but that's just the way it is... accept it"

[Homersonic]

The best teachers don't make their students feel like they're being talked down to, regardless of how basic or advanced their subject matter might be, and Professor Morello's definitely that kind of teacher.

[bjarnivalur]

4:30 - 4:38 I love that little "k?" at the end of the explanation, as if what he said wasn't super counter-intuitive.

[AlbertaClimber]

I could listen to this Prof. Morello all day. His clear and concise explanations are almost mesmerizing. Thankfully the pause button allows ample time to process everything he says. Really is an incredible video. Thank You for this!

[joec.]

we need more of this person. the accent, the articulation in layman, its on point.

[aryesegal]

Can't say it enough: Absolutely amazing.. So clear.. Prof. Morello's ability to take a subject so non-intuitive and making everyone somewhat understand the laying foundations of it, is a true gift IMO... Great presentation, more of him, PLEASE! :)