Does anyone know what this symbol designates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a specific mathematical symbol used in the context of physics, particularly related to the uncertainty principle and the double slit experiment. Participants are trying to clarify its meaning and relevance in an equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the symbol may denote "a lot less than."
  • Others argue that it is different from the "much less than" symbols and is specifically related to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics.
  • A participant requests additional context, such as a paragraph where the symbol is used, to better understand its application.
  • One participant references "Modern Physics 3rd edition (Serway)" as a source related to the symbol.
  • Some participants note that the symbol appears odd for its intended meaning, especially since the author uses the standard "<<" symbol elsewhere in the text.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the meaning of the symbol, with multiple competing interpretations remaining in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding the specific context in which the symbol is used, and participants express uncertainty about its correct interpretation based on the provided references.

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I've seem it meaning "a lot less than".
 
Not in this case, it is actually slightly different than the "much less than symbols". It was used in the formulation of an equation using the uncertainty principle, that explained why an electron "through the double slit experiment" changes it direction when measured.
 
shanepitts said:
Not in this case, it is actually slightly different than the "much less than symbols". It was used in the formulation of an equation using the uncertainty principle, that explained why an electron "through the double slit experiment" changes it direction when measured.

Please provide more context. Like provide a paragraph of text where this symbol is used. And a reference.
 
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1394385953.423534.jpg
 
From Modern Physics 3rd edition (Serway)
 
From the context, it looks like much less than. (Although the shape is rather odd for that)
 
Vanadium 50 said:
From the context, it looks like much less than. (Although the shape is rather odd for that)
I would assume the same. It's especially odd since the author uses the standard << elsewhere in the text.
 

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