Gibbs paradox: Mixing and non mixing potentials

T. P. Suresh , Lisha Damodaran and K. M. Udayanandan

Asst Professor, Govt Brennen College

In statistical physics we consider free particles as indistinguishable and localized particles as distinguishable. This is the consequence of the interpretation of Gibb's paradox. Many text books use some potentials to introduce the concept of localization, which leads to an erroneous concept among many students that all potentials make the system distinguishable. We in this article with the help of some examples show that particles with potentials can be both distinguishable and indistinguishable. We also show that particles with potential can also be ` free particles' and indistinguishable.