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Re: degeneracy pressure



Justin Parke wrote:

So is it fair to say that the only thing that makes
this (degeneracy pressure) a quantum mechanical phenomena
is that the KE of the neutrons does
not go to zero as temperature goes to zero?

A degenerate gas is a quantum mechanical phenomenon
almost by definition. If it weren't quantum mechanical
it wouldn't be degenerate, that's for sure.

One consequence of degeneracy in a fermi gas is that the
pressure doesn't go to zero as temperature goes to zero.

That's the most conspicuous macroscopic consequence.
I wouldn't call it the "only" consequence; "only"
is an awfully strong word.