Skip to main content
Ch 39: Particles Behaving as Waves
Young & Freedman Calc - University Physics 15th Edition
Young & Freedman Calc15th EditionUniversity PhysicsISBN: 9780135159552Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 38, Problema 47

A scientist has devised a new method of isolating individual particles. He claims that this method enables him to detect simultaneously the position of a particle along an axis with a standard deviation of 0.120.12 nm and its momentum component along this axis with a standard deviation of 3.0×10−253.0\(\times\)10^{-25} kg-m/s. Use the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to evaluate the validity of this claim.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Step 1: Recall the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which states that the product of the uncertainties in position (Δx) and momentum (Δp) must satisfy the inequality Δx * Δp ≥ ℏ/2, where ℏ is the reduced Planck's constant (ℏ = 1.0545718 × 10^-34 J·s).
Step 2: Identify the given values in the problem: the standard deviation of the position (Δx) is 0.12 nm (convert this to meters: 0.12 × 10^-9 m), and the standard deviation of the momentum (Δp) is 3.0 × 10^-25 kg·m/s.
Step 3: Calculate the product of the uncertainties Δx * Δp using the given values. Multiply the converted position uncertainty (in meters) by the momentum uncertainty (in kg·m/s).
Step 4: Compare the calculated product Δx * Δp to the minimum value required by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, ℏ/2. Compute ℏ/2 using ℏ = 1.0545718 × 10^-34 J·s and divide it by 2.
Step 5: Evaluate whether the scientist's claim is valid by checking if the calculated product Δx * Δp meets or exceeds ℏ/2. If it does not, the claim violates the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and is invalid.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
4m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the exact position and exact momentum of a particle. Mathematically, it is expressed as Δx * Δp ≥ ħ/2, where Δx is the uncertainty in position, Δp is the uncertainty in momentum, and ħ is the reduced Planck's constant. This principle highlights the fundamental limits of measurement in quantum mechanics.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
14:47
Diffraction with Huygen's Principle

Standard Deviation in Measurement

Standard deviation is a statistical measure that quantifies the amount of variation or dispersion in a set of values. In the context of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the standard deviations of position (Δx) and momentum (Δp) represent the uncertainties in these measurements. A smaller standard deviation indicates a more precise measurement, but according to the uncertainty principle, this precision in one measurement leads to greater uncertainty in the other.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
07:49
Proper Frames and Measurements

Planck's Constant

Planck's constant (ħ) is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that relates the energy of a photon to its frequency. It has a value of approximately 1.055 x 10^-34 J·s. In the context of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, it sets the scale for the limits of precision in measurements of position and momentum, emphasizing that at quantum scales, these uncertainties are not just theoretical but have real implications for particle behavior.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
08:59
Phase Constant of a Wave Function
Pratica correlata
Domanda del libro di testo

A pesky 1.51.5-mg mosquito is annoying you as you attempt to study physics in your room, which is 5.05.0 m wide and 2.52.5 m high. You decide to swat the bothersome insect as it flies toward you, but you need to estimate its speed to make a successful hit.

(a) What is the maximum uncertainty in the horizontal position of the mosquito?

(b) What limit does the Heisenberg uncertainty principle place on your ability to know the horizontal velocity of this mosquito? Is this limitation a serious impediment to your attempt to swat it?

1577
views
Domanda del libro di testo

(a) The x x-coordinate of an electron is measured with an uncertainty of 0.300.30 mm. What is the x-component of the electron's velocity, vxv_{x}, if the minimum percent uncertainty in a simultaneous measurement of vxv_x is 1.0%1.0\%?

(b) Repeat part (a) for a proton.

1967
views
Domanda del libro di testo

The uncertainty in the y-component of a proton's position is 2.0×10−122.0\(\times\)10^{-12} m. What is the minimum uncertainty in a simultaneous measurement of the yy-component of the proton's velocity?

1705
views
Domanda del libro di testo

10.010.0-g marble is gently placed on a horizontal tabletop that is 1.751.75 m wide.

(a) What is the maximum uncertainty in the horizontal position of the marble?

(b) According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, what is the minimum uncertainty in the horizontal velocity of the marble?

(c) In light of your answer to part (b), what is the longest time the marble could remain on the table? Compare this time to the age of the universe, which is approximately 1414 billion years. (Hint: Can you know that the horizontal velocity of the marble is exactly zero?)

1748
views