The discussion clarifies that identical non-interacting fermions, such as electrons, remain indistinguishable despite their lack of interactions. This indistinguishability is a fundamental property, upheld by the anti-symmetrization of their wavefunctions. The Pauli exclusion principle applies, preventing identical fermions from occupying the same quantum state, even in the absence of interactions. Thus, the mathematical framework confirms that non-interacting particles cannot be treated as distinguishable.
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xepma said:No, the indistinguishability of the electrons is also present in the absence of interactions. Any wavefunction of the electrons is anti-symmetrized. So although the electrons do not interact, they still feel some form of repelment as they cannot occupy the same state.
It's ofcourse a mathematical statement, since non-interacting particles can hardly be considered physical.