Is Percentage of Uncertainty Equivalent to Uncertainty?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between percentage of uncertainty and uncertainty in the context of quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the uncertainty in a particle's position and momentum. Participants explore definitions and calculations related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that percentage of uncertainty does not equate to uncertainty without additional context.
  • One participant provides an example involving the uncertainty of a particle's position and seeks to find the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum.
  • Another participant notes that to find the percentage of uncertainty in momentum, one must specify the momentum itself, indicating that it is typically calculated as the product of the uncertainty and 100 divided by the measured momentum.
  • A participant questions the origin of the rule regarding the calculation of percentage of uncertainty.
  • Another participant raises a concern about whether delta p and p are equal based on the provided definitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the definitions and calculations of uncertainty and percentage of uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for specific definitions and context to clarify the relationship between uncertainty and percentage of uncertainty, as well as unresolved mathematical steps in the calculations proposed.

CollectiveRocker
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Does percentage of uncertainty = uncertainty?
 
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In general I would say no. But we really need some context to be able to give you a helpfull answer.
 
The uncertainty of a particle's position is .100 nm. So, I'm looking for the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum.
 
CollectiveRocker said:
The uncertainty of a particle's position is .100 nm. So, I'm looking for the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum.

U can find the uncertainty in momentum applying Heisenberg principle,but u need to specify the momentum itself,as the procentage is usually defined as the product of the uncertainty and 100 devided by the measured momentum.
 
Where does that rule come from?
 
Because by that definition,aren't delta p and p equal?
 

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