Counting States / Uncertainty principle

In summary, the content discusses an example in physics notes where Nitrogen at room temperature is used to calculate p*r, which is found to be greater than h-bar. This is consistent with the uncertainty principle, which states that the momentum and position of a particle cannot be precisely known at the same time. The example also considers the use of neutrons in the calculation, which is an estimate and does not account for the binding energy of the nucleus.
  • #1
positron
21
0
I have a question about an example in my physics notes. It considers Nitrogen at room temperature and calculates p*r and finds this to be greater than h-bar and so it is consistent with the uncertainty principle:
p*r = 2.4*10^-26 > hbar = 1*10^-27

It says at room temperature the momentum can be specified to a reasonable fraction of the typical momentum and the position to about a molecular size and still be consistent with qm and the uncertainty principle. what does this mean?

The mass they used was 28*mass of a proton, but what about the neutrons (or is it okay just for an estimation to use only the neutrons?) I thought that it was deltap and deltar in the uncertainty principle equation, not p or r.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Using ##p## as the value of ##\Delta p## allows to consider a worse case scenario, since it would mean that you can't even differentiate between a stationary molecule and one that is moving with thermal energy. Multiplying that by the size of the molecule and still respecting the uncertainty principle means that the molecule can be treated classically.
positron said:
It says at room temperature the momentum can be specified to a reasonable fraction of the typical momentum and the position to about a molecular size and still be consistent with qm and the uncertainty principle. what does this mean?
I realize now I basically just repeated this, but hopefully putting it in other words will help.

positron said:
The mass they used was 28*mass of a proton, but what about the neutrons (or is it okay just for an estimation to use only the neutrons?)
It is an estimate. It also doesn't take into account the binding energy of the nucleus, but this is more than good enough for most calculations.
 

Related to Counting States / Uncertainty principle

1. What is the counting states method?

The counting states method is a mathematical approach used to calculate the number of possible states or arrangements of a system. It is commonly used in statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics to analyze the behavior of particles and systems.

2. How does the counting states method relate to the uncertainty principle?

The counting states method is closely related to the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. The counting states method allows for a probabilistic understanding of a system's behavior, taking into account the inherent uncertainty in measuring particles.

3. Can the counting states method be applied to all systems?

The counting states method can be applied to many different systems, including macroscopic systems such as gases and liquids, as well as microscopic systems like atoms and molecules. However, it may not be applicable to all systems, particularly those that are highly complex or chaotic.

4. How is the counting states method used in statistical mechanics?

In statistical mechanics, the counting states method is used to calculate the entropy of a system, which is a measure of its disorder or randomness. By counting the number of possible states a system can be in, the entropy can be determined and used to predict the behavior of the system.

5. What are the limitations of the counting states method?

While the counting states method is a useful tool for understanding the behavior of systems, it does have some limitations. It assumes that all possible states of a system are equally likely, which may not always be the case. Additionally, it may not accurately describe the behavior of highly complex or chaotic systems.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
856
Replies
6
Views
965
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
23
Views
3K
Back
Top