[Physicist]

I'm confused. The "spin" variable used in quantum mechanics has nothing to do with our notion of physical spinning like a tennis ball, etc. The author implies that subatomic particles actually spin. Just as a "top", "bottom", or "strange" quark has nothing to do with the physical definitions of those words. They are just quantum variables.

While the spin of an electron, etc. cannot be envisioned as the rotation of a rigid body, it is not true that this spin "has nothing to do with" the spinning of a tennis ball. They represent the same conserved quantity, angular momentum.

If you align the spins of photons, for example (i.e. circularly polarized light), and shine the beam at an opaque object, you will impart a measurable torque to it.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

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