- #1
Juxtaroberto
- 21
- 0
As I understand it, the Pauli exclusion principle states that no two like fermions can be in identical quantum states. I also understand that the quantum states are thus: [tex]n[/tex], which is the electron shell, [tex]l[/tex], which is the subshell, [tex]m_{l}[/tex], which is orbital, and [tex]m_{s}[/tex], which is spin. However, it seems that this explanation only talks about electrons in a single atom... that is, two electrons can both have the exact same quantum numbers as long as they are in two separate atoms. Am I missing something? Are there other quantum numbers, or something?
Also, I once heard it told that the fact that bosons do not obey the Pauli exclusion principle is the reason we can make lasers with them (well, with photons, which are bosons). Why does the Pauli exclusion principle prevent fermions into being in lasers, or some similar application? What is it about lasers that bosons can be in them, but not fermions?
And lastly, there are certain elements whose spin add up to integer values, and others whose spin add up to half integer values... does this literally mean that those with integer value can have identical quantum states, and those with half integer can't? Wouldn't the fact that the nucleons in the atoms are half-integer particles affect this?
Also, I once heard it told that the fact that bosons do not obey the Pauli exclusion principle is the reason we can make lasers with them (well, with photons, which are bosons). Why does the Pauli exclusion principle prevent fermions into being in lasers, or some similar application? What is it about lasers that bosons can be in them, but not fermions?
And lastly, there are certain elements whose spin add up to integer values, and others whose spin add up to half integer values... does this literally mean that those with integer value can have identical quantum states, and those with half integer can't? Wouldn't the fact that the nucleons in the atoms are half-integer particles affect this?