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

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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, 2022 at 1:22

edpidufd

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$\begingroup$ You will probably have to start from the references here: hsm.stackexchange.com/questions/728/… $\endgroup$
– AChem
Nov 22, 2022 at 4:33

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