Chemical factors in canonical statistical models for relativistic heavy ion collisions

Abstract

We study the effect of enforcing exact conservation of charges in statistical models of particle production for systems as large as those relevant to relativistic heavy ion collisions. By using a numerical method developed for small systems, we have been able to approach the large volume limit keeping the exact canonical treatment of all relevant charges, namely baryon number, strangeness and electric charge. Hence, we hereby give the information needed in a hadron gas model whether the canonical treatment is necessary or not in actual cases. Comparison between calculations and experimental particle multiplicities is shown. Also, a discussion on relative strangeness chemical equilibrium is given.