Entanglement and identical particles

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SUMMARY

Identical particles, such as electrons in an atom, do not exhibit entanglement despite their total wavefunction being antisymmetric upon state swapping. The discussion clarifies that two electrons in an atom can have distinguishable quantum wavefunctions, which disqualifies them from being considered entangled. The key condition for entanglement is the inability to separate the quantum states of the particles involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of wavefunctions and antisymmetry
  • Knowledge of particle indistinguishability
  • Familiarity with the concept of entanglement
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of quantum entanglement in detail
  • Explore the implications of antisymmetric wavefunctions in quantum systems
  • Research the differences between distinguishable and indistinguishable particles
  • Learn about the role of quantum states in particle interactions
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and researchers interested in the properties of identical particles and quantum entanglement.

relativityfan
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hello,

can we say that identical particles in atoms like electrons are entangled since their total wavefunction is antisymmetric when we swap the states?

is there any condition for this entanglement?
 
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relativityfan said:
hello,

can we say that identical particles in atoms like electrons are entangled since their total wavefunction is antisymmetric when we swap the states?

is there any condition for this entanglement?

Two electrons in an atom are not "identical" in the sense that I think you mean, and no, this doesn't satisfy conditions for entanglement.
 
You can clearly separate the quantum wavefunctions of the two electrons, they are therefor not "entangled".
 

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