What is the uncertainty principle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, with participants exploring its implications and relationships to other physical parameters. The original poster expresses confusion regarding specific aspects of the principle and its application in problem-solving contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between separation, angle, and wavelength in the context of the uncertainty principle. Questions are raised about how these concepts interrelate and how they apply to specific problems. Some participants seek hints and clarification on the principle's implications.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the uncertainty principle, with some participants offering hints and suggestions. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify concepts and seek further guidance, particularly regarding the original poster's lingering questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as impending tests and the need for clarity on specific questions related to the uncertainty principle. There is an acknowledgment of the stress associated with balancing multiple academic responsibilities.

DrMon
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I fear I might have posted my earlier questions in the wrong section - As I don't think I'm getting any replies.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=305474

Thats a link to it there. If an administrator wants to move it here and delete this post, that'd probably work also :D.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi DrMon! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(and try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)
DrMon said:
I fear I might have posted my earlier questions in the wrong section - As I don't think I'm getting any replies.

You only waited half-an-hour …

and half the world is still asleep! :zzz:

Wait about 24 hours before getting worried. :wink:

(and it's better to put only one question in each thread)
 
Hi, DrMon.
I think I could give you some hints on your 3rd question.

Basically it is more of a plug in number type of problem.
What is the separation between the 2 objects?
How does it relate to other parameters?

Now, by writing out the equation of the separation, you might find out that it has some correlation with the angle.
What is the angle must be for the separation to be the value you are looking for?
Then you can find out that you need some specific wavelength of photon.
How does the wavelength relates to energy?
I think this'll solve the first part. Then you just need to think deep of the uncertainty principle.
What does the uncertainty principle relate the position with?
 
Hi guys.

I believe I've solved most of the problems - however the uncertainty stuff still throws me. Even the part b of question two (As opposed to the last bit part a of question two) is still not working for me. Any sorts of hints or suggestions further to this would be great.

EDIT: I began this post with the intention of saying thankyou for your help so far - I think it got lost in the stress. So let me make this clear:
THANK YOU!

In the mean time, I'm consulting my textbook.
(Yay, I have a maths test tomorrow too. They make me work hard for my holidays..)
(And If my lecturer is reading this - There are quite few people who have a maths test tomorrow - so you can't catch me out that way! Not that finding help with questions is against the Uni policies or anything. I just prefer to stay unknown :P)


EDIT #2: Just thought I'd update you all. I've finished everything EXCEPT for the last part of Part A in question three. The bit where it asks if it is consistent with the uncertainty principle, I can't hoestly figure out what it means by that.
 
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