Can two particles be in the same place at the same time?

  • I
  • Thread starter JamesN
  • Start date
  • #1
JamesN
3
0
Can two particles ever be said to occupy exactly the same space at the same time while remaining distinct objects?
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
14,273
8,298
Last edited:
  • #3
41,253
18,883
occupy exactly the same space at the same time

As you state it, this is really too vague to answer. A better way to ask would be: can two particles ever be in exactly the same quantum state at the same time. The answer to that question is what @jedishrfu is giving in post #2.

An example of why "the same quantum state" is not the same as "the same space" is different energy levels in an atom. In an atom with multiple electrons, the wave functions of those electrons overlap in space, so they can all be viewed as occupying "the same space" at the same time. But electrons are fermions, so no two of them can be in the same quantum state at the same time. That is the underlying reason for the different chemical properties of different elements that are described in the periodic table.
 

Suggested for: Can two particles be in the same place at the same time?

Replies
4
Views
433
Replies
15
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
504
Replies
1
Views
406
Replies
3
Views
980
Replies
4
Views
456
  • Last Post
Replies
3
Views
496
Replies
3
Views
505
Top