- #1
s3a
- 818
- 8
Homework Statement
The problem and its solution are attached as TheProblemAndSolution.jpg.
Homework Equations
Δx = λ/sinθ
Δp_x = 2h/λ sinθ
The Attempt at a Solution
In the equation given in the problem (Δx = λ/sinθ), why is the uncertainty of the ELECTRON written as a function of the PHOTON's wavelength (and the microscope's angle)? Similarly, in the equation given in the solution (Δp_x = 2h/λ sinθ), why is the uncertainty in the x component of the momentum of the ELECTRON written, again, as a function of the PHOTON's wavelength (and, again, the microscope's angle)? If it wasn't clear from the above, I am placing emphasis on the fact that Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle is all about being able to measure, with great certainty, either the position or momentum of the ELECTRON while the other factor remains highly uncertain BY USING CHARACTERISTIC VALUES OF A PHOTON (RATHER THAN AN ELECTRON). I would really appreciate it if someone could tell me why this is the case.
P.S.
The involvement of the sine of the angle of the microscope is not baffling or confusing to me, it's that I don't understand why information about the photon is used to describe uncertainty of a characteristic of an electron.
P.P.S
I am not looking for an overly complex answer (unless it is inherently so) so, please keep the answer as simple as possible.