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JamesN
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Can two particles ever be said to occupy exactly the same space at the same time while remaining distinct objects?
JamesN said:occupy exactly the same space at the same time
According to the Pauli exclusion principle, two particles with the same quantum state cannot occupy the same physical space at the same time. This is also known as the "no two objects can be in the same place at the same time" rule in classical physics.
While the Pauli exclusion principle holds true for fermions (particles with half-integer spin), it does not apply to bosons (particles with integer spin). Bosons can occupy the same physical space at the same time, which is why they can form a Bose-Einstein condensate.
In quantum mechanics, particles do not have a definite position in space. They exist as a probability wave and can be found in multiple places at once. Therefore, it is possible for two particles to have overlapping probability distributions, but they cannot occupy the same exact position in space.
If two particles with the same quantum state try to occupy the same physical space, they will experience a repulsive force known as the Pauli exclusion force. This force prevents the particles from getting too close to each other and maintains the integrity of matter.
In a black hole, the laws of physics as we know them break down. It is believed that at the singularity of a black hole, matter is infinitely dense and all particles are compressed into a single point. Therefore, it is not possible for two particles to be in the same place at the same time inside a black hole.