Is Degeneracy Relevant in Classical Physics and Quantum Mechanics?

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    Degeneracy
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relevance of the concept of degeneracy in both classical physics and quantum mechanics. Participants explore theoretical questions regarding the existence and implications of degeneracy in various physical contexts, including potential applications to particles and atomic systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether degeneracy is relevant in classical physics, seeking clarification on which entities might be considered degenerate.
  • Another participant suggests the discussion may relate to degenerate matter, specifically in the context of neutron stars.
  • A different participant defines degeneracy as the number of states or configurations of a particle at a given energy level, indicating a specific interpretation of the term.
  • Some participants express that the questions posed are theoretical rather than problems to be solved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not appear to reach a consensus, as participants express differing interpretations of degeneracy and its relevance across different physical frameworks.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined terms or assumptions related to degeneracy, and there are unresolved questions about its applicability in classical versus quantum contexts.

spaghetti3451
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I have been told that I need to be careful to check whether degeneracy is relevant to a given problem. What does that mean?

Does the concept of degeneracy exist within the framework of classical physics? Is so, which entities are degenerate? Particles? How?

Is the concept of degeneracy in quantum mechanics only applicable to atomic systems?
 
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Can you give an overview of the problem?
 
These are not problems. Just a few theoretical questions
 
Are you talking about degenerate matter? As in the stuff in neutron stars?
 
No! This is my definition of degeneracy. Degeneracy is the number of states/configurations of a particle at a given energy level.
 
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