What is Bose Eintein Condensate?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), focusing on its definition, characteristics, and the behavior of bosons at low temperatures. The scope includes theoretical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to BEC.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a simplified explanation of Bose-Einstein condensate, particularly regarding the Doppler shift.
  • Another participant explains the classification of particles into bosons and fermions based on their spin, noting that bosons can occupy the same quantum state.
  • The explanation includes that as bosons are cooled to a characteristic temperature, they tend to occupy the lowest energy state, leading to a state where all particles are in this lowest energy configuration.
  • It is mentioned that in BEC, the term "condensation" differs from typical condensation, as it does not necessarily involve a change in volume or density, but rather a state where particles become "quiet."
  • A participant shares a resource link that they found helpful for understanding BEC.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude and indicates improved understanding after the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not present any explicit disagreements, but it reflects varying levels of understanding and the need for clarification on certain aspects of BEC.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address specific assumptions or limitations regarding the definitions or implications of Bose-Einstein condensate.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals seeking a foundational understanding of Bose-Einstein condensate and its properties.

blackwing1
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I am doing a project on bose Einstein condensate at school. Could someone please explain to me what it is in a easy to undertand way?I don't understand about the doppler shift part.:confused:
 
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One of the possible clasification of the particles is according to its spins. If its spin is an integer, then we call it a 'boson' and the wavefunction that describes its behavior is symmetric. If its spin is a semi integer, then we call it a 'fermion' and its wavefunction is antisymmetric.

The first kind of particles doesn't obey Pauli Exclusion Principle (two particles can't be in the same individual quantum state) so them can stand in the same state.

When we cool a boson system under a characteristic temperature, the more energetic particles begin to 'fall' in the lowest energy state, to minimize its energy. If we continue cooling and cooling the system, then all the system will be in the lowest energy state.

Then, particles are quiet.

Condensation has not the same meaning that usual condensation. When we say that vapour condensates, we mean that it reduces its volume, then rises its density and so. In BEC, the particles can remain the same volume, the same density. But in BEC particles are quiet.
 
Here's a site that helped me when encountered I BEC for the first time.

http://www.colorado.edu/physics/2000/bec/index.html
 
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Thanks!

Thanks! Now I understand it way :smile: better.
 

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