Stern–Gerlach experiment — UPSC Physics Optional CSE 2026 Paper II

In a Stern–Gerlach experiment, the magnetic field varies with distance in the z-direction according to \dfrac{dB_z}{dz} = 1\cdot 5\text{ T/mm}. The speed of silver atoms coming from the oven is 725\text{ m/s}. Silver atoms travel a distance of 3\text{ cm} through the magnet. Calculate the separation of the two beams of atoms when they leave the magnet.

{[Given : The mass of a silver atom = 1\cdot 8 \times 10^{-25}\text{ kg} and its magnetic moment is 1\text{ Bohr magneton}.]}