DeBroglie wavelength its due at 12am

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the fundamental minimum uncertainty in the position of an electron, given its deBroglie wavelength and momentum. The context involves concepts from quantum mechanics, particularly the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of momentum and its uncertainty, referencing the HUP. There are attempts to clarify the correct formulation of the uncertainty principle and the implications of the electron's speed on the calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing guidance on the calculations needed, while others are questioning the accuracy of the formulas presented. There is an ongoing clarification regarding the correct interpretation of the HUP and its application to the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of specific precision in momentum measurement and the implications for position uncertainty, highlighting the constraints of the problem. The discussion also reflects some confusion regarding notation in the formulas used.

LakeMountD
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The deBroglie wavelength of an electron which moves with a speed of .0320 c is
7.18x10^-12

What is the fundamental minimum uncertainty in a measurement of the position of the elctron in the previous prolem if its momentum is simultaneouslymeasured to a precisioin of plus or minus one percent (two percent total)?
 
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1.Compute "p_{x}".
2.Compute \Delta p_{x}.
3.Compute \Delta x from the HUP.

Daniel.
 
[tex]\Delta p \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}[/tex]

The problem states that the electron is moving .320 times the speed of light. The mass of the electron is known. The uncertainty in the momentum is .02p ([itex]\Delta p = .02 p = .02mv[/itex]).

The only value in the above inequality you don't know is the uncertainty in position.

--J
 
Last edited:
1.Justin,the sign in the HUP is inverse than the one u posted... :-p
2.And it should be
[tex]\Delta p_{x} \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}[/tex]

There's a huge difference between your (initial,in the case u edit it) formula and the one I've written.Can u see why...? :wink:

Daniel.
 
Last edited:
Those darned TeX letters confuzzled me! leq, geq, bah!

--J
 

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