2 questions--seems simple -- Heisenberg Uncertainty

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on two questions related to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in a physics context. For the first question, the uncertainty in the ladybug's position is used to calculate the possible range of its velocity, with the participant clarifying that Δx represents uncertainty rather than a specific position. The second question involves the energy conservation violation in a proton reaction and the time interval for pion reabsorption, with the participant identifying the pion's rest energy as relevant. The conversation emphasizes understanding the application of uncertainty principles in practical scenarios. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities of applying theoretical physics concepts to specific problems.
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Homework Statement


These questions are out of Modern Physics by Tipler. I feel like I'm close to the answer but missing something small.

#1: A ladybug 5mm in diameter with a mass of 1 mg being viewed through a low power magnifier with a calibrated reticule is observed to be stationary with an uncertainty of 10^-2 mm. How fast might the ladybug actually be walking?

#2 Protons and neutrons in nuclei are bound to the nucleus by exchanging pions ( pi mesons) with each other. This is possible to do without violating energy conservation provided the pion is reabsorbed within a time consistent with the Heisenberg uncertainty relations. Consider the emission reaction p --> p + where m = 135 MeV/c2.

A: Ignoring kinetic energy, by how much is energy conservation violated in this reaction?
B: Within what time interval must the pion be reabsorbed in order to avoid the violation of energy conservation?

Homework Equations


ΔXΔP ≥ ħ/2
ΔE*τ ≥ ħ

The Attempt at a Solution


For #1:
I said that since the uncertainty is .01mm the lower boundary(lowest possible measurement for the diameter) is (5 - .01)mm and the upper boundary is (5+.01)mm. so:

ΔP≈ ħ/2(ΔX) (For both X's. You'll get 2 values for P)

Then saying P=MV. so V ≈ ħ/2(M)(ΔX) for both X's.

For #2:
I said that the conservation is violated by the rest energy of one pion. Because p ---> p + π is the reaction.

but I'm not sure what to use for the uncertainty for E (ΔE) in:
τ ≥ ħ/ΔE

My best! Thanks!
 
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#2: what kinds of energy are you being told about?
just looking at the equation - what is the change in energy?

#1: Δx is the uncertainty in position - not an actual position.
 
I see! Thanks for your help. I read some more into it and found that it is the uncertainty. As for #2 it 135 MeV(pion). for ΔE
 
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