Identical bosons vs. fermions in square potential well

In summary, the Wolfram web page demonstrates the probability density functions for two identical bosons and fermions in a square potential well. While the fermions' lowest state appears as a single blob in the middle, the bosons' lowest state requires both particles to be in the ground state, resulting in two separate blobs. This is due to the different properties and behavior of bosons and fermions in quantum mechanics.
  • #1
bobshae
2
0
The following Wolfram web page shows the probability density functions for two identical bosons in a square potential well. It also shows the probability density for two identical fermions.

http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/WaveFunctionsOfIdenticalParticles/

So it appears that each is just a 90 degree rotation of the other. That doesn't seem correct. If Bosons can share the same state, shouldn't their lowest state just be a single blob in the middle (per the ground state for a single particle)? I know that quantum mechanics is very non-intuitive, so I'm probably missing something. Please help to explain this. Thank you.

--Bob
 
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  • #2
The sliders at the top tell you the individual states. The starting point is one particle in the ground state (n=1) and one in the first excited state (n=2). For fermions, antisymmetrizing these does give the ground state, but for bosons, you would need n=1 for both, which would give a single blob in the middle.
 
  • #3
Avodyne said:
The sliders at the top tell you the individual states. The starting point is one particle in the ground state (n=1) and one in the first excited state (n=2). For fermions, antisymmetrizing these does give the ground state, but for bosons, you would need n=1 for both, which would give a single blob in the middle.

Ah I see. Thank you.
 

Related to Identical bosons vs. fermions in square potential well

1. What are identical bosons and fermions?

Identical bosons and fermions are two types of subatomic particles that make up matter. They are categorized based on their quantum mechanical properties, such as spin and charge.

2. What is a square potential well?

A square potential well is a theoretical model used in quantum mechanics to describe a confined system, such as a particle trapped in a small region of space with a specific potential energy.

3. What is the difference between bosons and fermions in a square potential well?

The main difference between bosons and fermions in a square potential well is their behavior under the laws of quantum mechanics. Bosons can occupy the same quantum state, while fermions cannot. This is known as the Pauli exclusion principle.

4. How does the energy of identical bosons and fermions differ in a square potential well?

In a square potential well, the energy levels of identical bosons are lower than those of identical fermions. This is due to the fact that bosons can occupy the same quantum state, while fermions cannot, leading to a more spread out energy distribution for fermions.

5. What are the practical applications of studying identical bosons and fermions in a square potential well?

Studying identical bosons and fermions in a square potential well can help us understand the behavior of matter at a microscopic level. This knowledge can be applied in various fields, such as quantum computing and materials science, to develop new technologies and materials with unique properties.

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