Distinguishable and indistinguishable particles

Abstract

This chapter explains the feasible link between the molecular partition function (q) and the canonical partition function (Q) in terms of distinguishable and indistinguishable particles. It highlights that the accessibility of quantum states is reflected by the magnitude of q. Particles of different types or with solid states are referred to as intrinsically distinguishable, such as helium atoms. However, particles violating Heisenberg's uncertainty principle are intrinsically indistinguishable in that the particles' tracks cannot be followed with complete certainty through even the simplest of collisions. The chapter states that the accessibility of quantum states collapses dramatically at very low temperatures. This means that it might be necessary to drop Maxwell–Boltzmann statistics in favour of quantum statistics.