DeBroglie wavelength its due at 12am

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the fundamental minimum uncertainty in the position of an electron moving at 0.0320 times the speed of light, with a deBroglie wavelength of 7.18x10^-12. It involves determining the momentum and its uncertainty, using the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP), which states that the product of uncertainties in position and momentum must meet a specific threshold. The uncertainty in momentum is given as 2% of the momentum value. Participants clarify the correct formulation of the HUP, emphasizing the importance of notation in calculations. The conversation highlights the complexities of quantum mechanics and the precision required in measurements.
LakeMountD
Messages
59
Reaction score
0
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)?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1.Compute "p_{x}".
2.Compute \Delta p_{x}.
3.Compute \Delta x from the HUP.

Daniel.
 
\Delta p \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}

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 (\Delta p = .02 p = .02mv).

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
\Delta p_{x} \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}

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
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...

Similar threads

Back
Top