Particle Indistinguishability Symmetry within a Field Theory. Entropic Effects

Abstract

In this paper, we briefly discuss a field theory approach of classical statistical mechanics. We show how an essentially entropic functional accounts for fundamental symmetries related to quantum mechanical properties which hold out in the classical limit of the quantum description. Within this framework, energetic and entropic properties are treated at equal level. Based on a series of examples on electrolytes, we illustrate how this framework gives simple interpretations where entropic fluctuations of anions and cations compete with the energetic properties related to the interaction potential.

Keywords

• Classical statistical mechanics
• Entropy
• Indistinguishability
• Field theory
• Electrolytes