The Gibbs Paradox Revisited

Details The Gibbs Paradox Revisited The Gibbs Paradox Revisited

2010-02-28

arxiv.org/abs/1003.0179v1

Physics

Quantum Physics

to appear in Proceedings of "The Philosophy of Science in a European Perspective 2009"

Scientific paper

The Gibbs paradox has frequently been interpreted as a sign that particles of the same kind are fundamentally indistinguishable; and that quantum mechanics, with its identical fermions and bosons, is indispensable for making sense of this. In this article we shall argue, on the contrary, that analysis of the paradox supports the idea that classical particles are always distinguishable. Perhaps surprisingly, this analysis extends to quantum mechanics: even according to quantum mechanics there can be distinguishable particles of the same kind. Our most important general conclusion will accordingly be that the universally accepted notion that quantum particles of the same kind are necessarily indistinguishable rests on a confusion about how particles are represented in quantum theory.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Gibbs Paradox Revisited does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Gibbs Paradox Revisited, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Gibbs Paradox Revisited will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-111112