PPolySim OS
For K-12 Students · Stern-Gerlach

Stern-Gerlach for a hydrogen atom

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a hydrogen atom live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Stern-Gerlach ExperimentLive

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Atoms prepared spin-up are measured along an axis tilted by θ. Quantum mechanics says each atom randomly comes out up or down, with probability cos²(θ/2) for up — never a fraction. At 90° it is a perfect coin flip; at 180° it always flips. The running tally converges to the Born-rule probability.

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Data Inspector

P(up) theory0.750
Measured up0.0%
Atoms1

Governing equation

Reading this result: Tilted by 60°, the analyzer still favors up: theory predicts P(up) = cos²(θ/2) ≈ 0.75, and the tally converges there.

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Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?
Yes — this version of "Stern-Gerlach for a hydrogen atom" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.