Are Identical Non-Interacting Particles Distinguishable?

  • Thread starter Cryxic
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Particles
In summary, even though three identical non-interacting fermions (such as electrons) may not directly interact with each other, they are still indistinguishable and obey the Pauli exclusion principle due to their wavefunction being anti-symmetrized. This is a mathematical concept rather than a physical one.
  • #1
Cryxic
53
1
I just wanted to clarify something conceptual with non-interacting particles. So if you have three identical non-interacting fermions (say electrons), is it true that they are distinguishable (since they're non-interacting)? Or are they indistinguishable since they're still identical?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
No, the indistinguishability of the electrons is also present in the absence of interactions. Any wavefunction of the electrons is anti-symmetrized. So although the electrons do not interact, they still feel some form of repelment as they cannot occupy the same state.

It's ofcourse a mathematical statement, since non-interacting particles can hardly be considered physical.
 
  • #3
xepma said:
No, the indistinguishability of the electrons is also present in the absence of interactions. Any wavefunction of the electrons is anti-symmetrized. So although the electrons do not interact, they still feel some form of repelment as they cannot occupy the same state.

It's ofcourse a mathematical statement, since non-interacting particles can hardly be considered physical.

Ok thanks. So basically: even though they're non-interacting, they're still indistinguishable and they obey the Pauli exclusion principle. Correct?
 
  • #4
Yes, indeed.
 

1. What are non-interacting particles?

Non-interacting particles are particles that do not interact with each other through any force or interaction. This means that they do not exert any influence on each other's movement or properties.

2. What are some examples of non-interacting particles?

Some examples of non-interacting particles include photons, neutrinos, and certain types of atoms such as noble gases. These particles do not have electric charge and therefore do not interact with each other through electromagnetic forces.

3. How do non-interacting particles behave?

Non-interacting particles behave according to the laws of quantum mechanics, which describe their wave-like properties and probabilities of existence in different locations. They also follow the principle of superposition, meaning they can exist in multiple states simultaneously.

4. Can non-interacting particles be affected by external forces?

Yes, non-interacting particles can still be affected by external forces such as gravity. While they do not interact with each other, they can still be influenced by other forces or fields in their environment.

5. What are the implications of non-interacting particles?

The concept of non-interacting particles has important implications in various fields of physics, such as quantum mechanics, cosmology, and particle physics. It helps us understand the fundamental building blocks of matter and the behavior of particles in different environments.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
44
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
630
Replies
4
Views
846
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
491
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
758
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
786
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
21
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
64
Views
3K
Back
Top