Pauli exclusion principle A fundamental rule in subatomic physics which states that no two electrons, or other types of fermion, can occupy the same quantum state at the same place and time; it was formulated by the German physicist Wolfgang Pauli in 1925. The exclusion principle, for example, prevents white dwarfs that are below the Chandrasekhar limit from collapsing: the electrons are squashed together to form electron degenerate matter, which resists any further attempts at compression (see degenerate electron pessure). Related category PARTICLE PHYSICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |