Why is 'total angular momentum' denoted by the letter $J$ in quantum mechanics?

Asked Nov 22 '22 at 01:22

Active Nov 22 '22 at 01:22

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In quantum mechanics, we say $J$ ('total angular momentum') = $L$ ('orbital angular momentum') + $S$ ('spin angular momentum').

Apparently $S$ is from 'Spin', but why $J$ for the total angular momentum?

cf) Why is the angular momentum written as JJ in quantum mechanics? : this question does not seem to answer the history of the notation

asked Nov 22 '22 at 01:22

edpidufd

1

You will probably have to start from the references here: https://hsm.stackexchange.com/questions/728/why-did-angular-momentum-get-the-letter-l?rq=1 – AChem Nov 22 '22 at 04:33

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