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Identical distinguishable gas particles in the real world

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Abstract

In undergraduate courses in statistical or quantum mechanics, students are exposed to quantum and classical particles that are described as being identical or indistinguishable. It is difficult to appreciate this terminology unless real-world examples are given to illustrate the different possibilities. In particular, while it is easy to think of systems of identical indistinguishable particles or of nonidentical distinguishable particles, it requires more care to identify a gas of identical distinguishable particles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physics Department, US Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, 21402-1363, USA

    Carl E. Mungan

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  1. Carl E. Mungan
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Correspondence to Carl E. Mungan.

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Carl Mungan is an Associate Professor of Physics at the United States Naval Academy, educating approximately 4000 future Navy and Marines officers. His research interests are in optical spectroscopy of condensed matter, with emphasis on laser cooling of solids, stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fibers, and photothermal effects.

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Mungan, C.E. Identical distinguishable gas particles in the real world. Reson 20, 44–46 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-015-0151-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-015-0151-1

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