Abstract
We consider the positions and velocities of electrons and spinning nuclei and demonstrate that these particles harbour hidden momentum when located in an electromagnetic field. This hidden momentum is present in all atoms and molecules, however it is ultimately cancelled by the momentum of the electromagnetic field. We point out that an electron vortex in an electric field might harbour a comparatively large hidden momentum and recognise the phenomenon of 'hidden hidden momentum'.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 042125 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics |
| Volume | 97 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Apr 2018 |
Keywords
- electrons
- atoms
- hidden momentum
- electromagnetic fields
- electron vortex
- molecules
Cite this
Cameron, R. P., & Cotter, J. P. (2018). Hidden momentum of electrons, nuclei, atoms and molecules. Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 97(4), [042125]. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.97.042125