European Journal of Physics
The magnetic field produced by a hydrogen atom
W Gough
Abstract
The magnetic field in a hydrogen atom is calculated for a number of energy eigenstates. The contributions from both the orbital and spin motion of the electron are considered. The field follows the expected magnetic dipole behaviour only at large distances from the proton, and there may also be contributions due to magnetic octupole, 32-poles... moments. The field pattern is illustrated for a number of cases, and these are briefly discussed.