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arXiv · 1307.7108

Classical limit of the canonical partition function

Pere Seglar·Enric Pérez
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Abstract

We analyze the so-called classical limit of the quantum-mechanical canonical partition function. In order to do that, we define accurately the density matrix for symmetrized and antisymmetrized wave functions only (Bose-Einstein and Fermi-Dirac), and find an exact relation between them and the density matrix for non symmetrized functions (Maxwell-Boltzmann). Our results differ from the generally assumed in a numerical factor N!, for which we suggest a physical interpretation. We derive as well the reverse (and also exact) relation, to find the canonical partition function for non-symmetrized wave functions in terms of the corresponding function for fermions and bosons.

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BibTeXRIS

Pere Seglar, Enric Pérez. 2013-07-26. Classical limit of the canonical partition function. https://doi.org/10.1088/0143-0807%2F35%2F1%2F015004

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