Magnetic properties of the nuclei
Matter is made of atoms. Atoms are made up of electrons and
nuclei. Each atomic nucleus has four important physical
properties: mass, electric charge, magnetism and spin.
Spin is a quantum mechanical intrinsic property of elementary particles. It is
very difficult to imagine this property, and the notion of actual rotation can be
somewhat helpful. However, it is wise to separate this notion of a spinning
particle from the quantum mechanical property we call "spin".
Although spin is a form of angular momentum, an elementary particle with
spin does not mean it is rotating; particles with spin simply have spin. The
concept of a particle rotating around its own axis is helpful, but it is
intellectually sterile; for example, at absolute zero temperature when all
motion ceases, a particle still has "spin".