Did photon obey Uncertainity Principle?

In summary: HeisenbergIn summary, the conversation discusses the application of the uncertainty principle to photons, which have no mass. The equation for the uncertainty principle implies a negative value for Planck's constant, but this conflicts with the known fact that Planck's constant is positive. The conversation also touches on the dispersion relations for massless particles and the single-slit diffraction phenomenon as examples of the uncertainty principle in action. The conversation ends with a playful reference to Werner Heisenberg's famous quote about the uncertainty principle.
  • #1
sndtam
9
0
Photon has no mass.So when we apply Uncertainity principle to photon
position*velocity*mass=greater than Plancks constant
So when we use mass as null,the equation implies that 0<h.
That is h is negative.But h is positive.
Please explain me this.
 
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  • #2
The uncertainty relation follows from the commutation relation of the momentum and position operators. The photon does not carry a mass, but it does carry a momentum.
 
  • #3
sndtam said:
velocity*mass
This is not momentum. This is an approximation of momentum at low velocity. The correct dispersion relations for the massless particles as the photon is
[itex]E=pc=\hbar\omega=\hbar c k[/itex]
 
Last edited:
  • #4
sndtam said:
Photon has no mass.So when we apply Uncertainity principle to photon
position*velocity*mass=greater than Plancks constant
So when we use mass as null,the equation implies that 0<h.
That is h is negative.But h is positive.
Please explain me this.

The single-slit diffraction phenomenon is the clearest example of photons "obeying" the HUP.

Zz.
 
  • #5
Thank you
 
  • #6
As far as we know, everything obeys quantum principles...including HUP...
 
  • #7
Naty1 said:
As far as we know, everything obeys quantum principles...including HUP...


I refuse to obey your quantum principles ;)
 
  • #8
Thanks a lot
 
  • #9
maverick_starstrider said:
I refuse to obey your quantum principles ;)

A smart dope is in direct violation of my HUP.

- Werner
 

1. What is the Uncertainty Principle?

The Uncertainty Principle, also known as Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty at the same time.

2. How does the Uncertainty Principle relate to photons?

The Uncertainty Principle applies to all particles, including photons. This means that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a photon at the same time. This is due to the wave-particle duality of photons, which means they behave as both particles and waves.

3. Can the position and momentum of a photon be measured simultaneously?

No, because of the Uncertainty Principle, it is impossible to measure the position and momentum of a photon at the same time. This is because the act of measuring one property affects the other, making it impossible to have a precise measurement of both at once.

4. How does the Uncertainty Principle affect our understanding of the universe?

The Uncertainty Principle plays a significant role in our understanding of the universe, particularly at the quantum level. It shows that there are inherent uncertainties and limitations in our ability to measure and understand the behavior of particles. It also highlights the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics and the importance of uncertainty in shaping the physical world.

5. Is the Uncertainty Principle a limitation in scientific research?

While the Uncertainty Principle may seem like a limitation, it is actually a fundamental principle that has led to many important discoveries and advancements in science. It has allowed us to understand the behavior of particles at the quantum level and has contributed to the development of technologies such as lasers and transistors. So, while it may pose challenges, it is also a crucial aspect of scientific research and exploration.

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