The total partition function of N identical, independent particles is $Z^N/N!$ where Z is the partition function of a single particle. To find out the correct magnetization due to N identical atoms of magnetic moment $\mu=-g \mu_B J$, the partition function is taken to be $Z^N$. See page 4 of this note. http://physics.unl.edu/~cbinek/Paramagnetism%20unit%2022.pptx Why is the factor $1/N!$ missing?
1 Answer
Firstlly, magnetization does not care about the $N!$. It's thermodynamic quantities such as specific heat that need the $N!$ Secondly it is not clear whether the powerpoint slides are talking about a paramagnetic gas or a crystal. In the crystal the atoms are, in effect, distinguishable because they can be specified by their positions: if they were free to move and exchange places with one another, then we would have to keep the $N!$, As long as they don't move there is no thermodynamic consequence to their identity. The crystal microstates are therefore counted as if the atoms were distinguishable.