Lack of quantum effects at higher temperatures

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the absence of quantum effects in liquids and gases at room temperature, contrasting two explanations. One perspective attributes this to the de Broglie wavelength being small due to high particle momentum, preventing quantum interference. The alternative explanation posits that quantum effects diminish because particle wavelengths become out of phase as temperature increases, particularly in Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) at very low temperatures. Ultimately, both explanations hold validity, but the phase relationship of wavelengths is significant primarily at extremely low temperatures.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of de Broglie wavelength and its implications in quantum mechanics.
  • Familiarity with Bose-Einstein condensates (BEC) and their behavior at low temperatures.
  • Knowledge of classical versus quantum behavior in thermodynamic systems.
  • Basic principles of quantum interference and phase relationships in wave mechanics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of de Broglie wavelength in various states of matter.
  • Explore the properties and applications of Bose-Einstein condensates in quantum physics.
  • Study the effects of temperature on quantum systems and phase transitions.
  • Investigate quantum interference phenomena in different physical contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in the behavior of matter at various temperatures, particularly those exploring the transition from classical to quantum states.

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I readhttp://www.learner.org/courses/physics/unit/text.html?unit=6&secNum=6" article and started wondering: What is the real reason for classical behavior of liquids gases at room temp?

I have always thought that it is because of the deBroigle wavelength relation. At room T particles have a high momentum and so their wavelengths are very small in comparison with separation between atoms of the fluid. Therefore we don't have quantum interference and no quantum effects?

But in the article (the very last 2 paragraphs) they seem to be saying that the quantum effects vanish because particle wavelengths are out of phase with one another.

Which version of the story is true? Or which truth is more veracious?
 
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What they are saying is that as you heat up and oscillating BEC the oscillations begin to dampen out because the heat causes the particles to interfere with each other instead of reinforce the oscillations. This is only occurring at very very low temperatures, far from room temperature. Both effects you list do happen, but the phase of the wavelengths only matters at extremely low temperatures.
 

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