According to Hund's second rule, the spin tends to be maximal. 
That would, in my understanding, imply that, regarding the Stern-Gerlach experiment, the important electron in a silver atom has spin 1/2 (or "up"). This should hold for all atoms.

Every atom would have the same spin magnetic moment (smm) - because the smm points in direction of the spin - and thus be affected by the B-field just like any other atom.

But, if every electron has the same smm w.r.t. the magnetic field, why do we get two "blobs" on the screen and not just one "blob" above or below the z-axis?

Where is the error in my thought process?


Question: Mosfet to save power
Answer: I suggest using high-side switches rather than a low-side switch. 

Edit: One high side switch for each power supply.

Something like this:  (Edit: x2) 



It needs a base resistor for the BJT or use a logic-level MOSFET. R1 could be something like 10K and the base resistor 20K or so. The p-channel MOSFET should be logic level for your conditions. You can find dual p/n channel units in an SO8 that can handle some amperes. 

The problem with switching the ground connection (low side switch) is that there are two power supplies on the chip and the inputs will end up biased at some voltage above ground, which may draw unnecessary current and/or be bad for your micro. 

You still have to bring the outputs of your micro low or you will drive unnecessary current into the L298 inputs.