From Quantum to Classical Physics: The Role of Distinguishability

R. E. Kastner

Published 2017-07-27Version 1

The transition from quantum to classical statistics is studied in light of Huggett's finding that the empirical data do not support a strong form of individuality known as 'haecceitism' for classical objects. The various statistical distributions are examined, and it is found that weaker forms of individuality, corresponding to separability and distinguishability, emerge in the classical limit. The role of the chemical potential (the rate of change of the Helmholtz free energy with particle number) is found to be of crucial significance in characterizing this emergence of classicality from the quantum distributions.