Two identical non-interacting particles

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SUMMARY

Two identical non-interacting particles in an isotropic harmonic potential exhibit distinct degeneracies based on their spin characteristics. For spin 1/2 particles (fermions), the degeneracies of the three lowest energy levels are 1, 12, and 39. In contrast, for spin 1 particles (bosons), the degeneracies are 6, 27, and 99. The analysis utilizes quantum numbers S, L, and J to derive these results, highlighting the fundamental differences in state occupancy between fermions and bosons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly particle statistics.
  • Familiarity with isotropic harmonic potentials in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of quantum numbers S (spin), L (orbital angular momentum), and J (total angular momentum).
  • Concept of degeneracy in quantum energy levels.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Pauli exclusion principle for fermions.
  • Explore Bose-Einstein statistics and its applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Learn about the mathematical formulation of isotropic harmonic oscillators in quantum mechanics.
  • Investigate the role of angular momentum in determining quantum states of particles.
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Students and professionals in quantum mechanics, physicists studying particle statistics, and researchers exploring quantum systems with identical particles.

CaptainQuaser
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Two identical non-interacting particles are in an isotropic harmonic potential. Show that the degeneracies of the three lowest energy levels are:

a) 1, 12, 39 for spin 1/2 (aka fermi)

b)6, 27, 99 for spin 1 (aka bose)

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I tried counting the states for [itex]E_{nl}[/itex], noting that no two fermi particles can be in the same state, but two bose particles can be, don't really know where do go from there.
 
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Use S, L, and J.
For instance, S can be 0 or 2 for two spin one bosons with L=0.
This gives six states.
 

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