Physics:Quantum particles/fermion
fermion is a Book II topic in the Quantum Collection. A fermion is a particle that follows Fermi–Dirac statistics and is subject to the Pauli exclusion principle. This means that no two identical fermions can occupy the same quantum state. Fermions have antisymmetric many-particle wavefunctions, so exchanging two identical fermions changes the sign of the total state. This exchange rule leads to the Pauli exclusion principle and the filling of distinct one-particle states. Fermions include electrons, quarks, neutrinos, protons, neutrons, and many composite systems with half-integer total spin.
Description
Fermions include particles such as quarks and leptons, which make up matter. Their behavior determines the structure of atoms and the stability of matter.
Fermions differ from bosons, which can share quantum states and are not restricted by the exclusion principle.
Properties
- obey the Pauli exclusion principle
- cannot share identical quantum states
- include matter particles
See also
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Source attribution: Physics:Quantum particles/fermion
