The Quantum force ?

[vanderwallis]

Hi. I'm new to this site and the quest. I'm quite out of the loop with modern Physics at the moment, but I hope that with time I will get into the swing of things.

My question here regards a Quantum effect called Degeneracy pressure, which occurs when one tries to bring two or more fermions to the same Quantum state. Because of the exclusion principle they cannot be in the same state in a closed system.
This pressure is supposedly a force that sets a limit on how much you can squeeze some degenerate matter ( like some electrons). How can I classify this force ? It is neither electromagnetic, gravitational, strong or weak nuclear ! So is this like a 5th force of nature ?! Some kind of "Quantum force" ?!

[Mikal]

Hi VW...just popping in to welcome you to the Toe. As I am also somewhat out of the loop with physics, I cannot bring any answers to your question but I do think this could be the beginning of a really interesting thread which of course I will follow if some of our brilliant physics thinkers stop in to discuss with you.

Its interesting that there could be a Quantum force not identiifed as being classified with the other forces and if I were to ponder I guess I would wonder if this possible 5th force would be the life-force itself. Of course I could be right out to left field there but I never stop my wondering at any one horizon...

Will look forward to the thread progressing....


Regards Mikal

[rOD_]

it's a nice idea, but unfortunately if you attempt to move two fermions into the same quantum state, you will just provide enough energy to get one of them to jump into the next lowest energy state, hence solving the issue.

bloody good thinking though!

[Mohan.C]

This may be of some help.

A material subjected to ever increasing pressure will become ever more compressed, and for electrons within it, the uncertainty in position measurements, Δx, becomes ever smaller. Thus, as dictated by the uncertainty principle, the uncertainty in the momenta of the electrons, Δp, becomes larger. Thus, no matter how low the temperature drops, the electrons must be traveling at this "Heisenberg speed," contributing to the pressure. When the pressure due to the "Heisenberg speed" exceeds that of the pressure from the thermal motions of the electrons, the electrons are referred to as degenerate, and the material is termed degenerate matter.

[vanderwallis]

Thanks that does clarify things.