GRE related question in Quantum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a GRE practice problem involving the kinetic energy of electrons in a chlorine molecule, specifically addressing the application of the uncertainty principle. The solution utilizes the relationship (100 pm)(delta p) = h to derive delta p and subsequently applies E = p^2/2m to find the energy. The confusion arises from the interpretation of the bond length as an uncertainty in position rather than a fixed measurement. The conclusion emphasizes that the uncertainty principle can be applied due to the symmetry of expectation values for position and momentum.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly the uncertainty principle.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy calculations in quantum systems.
  • Knowledge of covalent bonding and molecular structure.
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical physics, including momentum and energy equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics.
  • Explore kinetic energy calculations for particles in quantum systems.
  • Review covalent bonding and its effects on molecular behavior.
  • Learn about expectation values in quantum mechanics and their significance in symmetry.
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Students preparing for the GRE, educators teaching quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the application of quantum principles to molecular physics.

Silviu
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Hello! I was doing a GRE practice test and I came across this problem: The chlorine molecule consists of two chlorine atoms joined together by a covalent bond with length approximately 100 pm. What is the approximate kinetic energy of one if the covalently bonded electrons? And in their solution they use uncertainty principle: (100 pm)(delta p) = h => delta p = 2keV/c and then they plug this into E = p^2/2m. This is also what I would do during the exam, given the information provided by the problem. However, I am a bit confused about the correctness of the solution. The 100 pm is the actual length not the uncertainty in the length, so why can we use uncertainty principle like that? And even if that would be the case, how can you use the uncertainty in the momentum, to get the actual energy, using E = p^2/2m? Isn't something wrong here?
 
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Silviu said:
why can we use uncertainty principle like that
Because the expectation values of both ##x## and ##p## are zero from symmetry
 

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