Heisenberg's uncertainty principle question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the uncertainty in momentum for a 1.00 KeV electron when its position is known to within 0.100 nm. Using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the participants derive the relationship Δx·Δp≥ħ/2 and attempt to evaluate the momentum and its uncertainty. The initial calculations yield a percentage uncertainty in momentum of approximately 98%, which is significantly higher than the expected 3.1%. Clarifications are sought regarding the correct value for momentum, with the consensus pointing to using p=1 KeV/c. The thread emphasizes the importance of accurate calculations for understanding quantum mechanics and preparing for finals.
karkas
Messages
131
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement


The position and momentum of a 1.00 KeV electron are simultaneously determined. If the position is located to within 0.100 nm, what is the percentage of uncertainty in its momentum?

(Arthur Beiser - Concepts of modern Physics, 3rd Part exercise 33)

Homework Equations


Δx\cdotΔp≥\frac{\hbar}{2}

The Attempt at a Solution



Δx\cdotΔp≥\frac{\hbar}{2}\rightarrow \; Δp≥ \frac{\hbar}{2\cdotΔx}
Given that Δx=0,100 nm, we can evaluate the uncertainty in its momentum Δp.
The momentum of the particle should be of roughly equal magnitude, and evaluating the fraction \frac{Δp}{p}% gives me 98%, where the answer is 3,1 %. What did I do wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What did you plug for p?

It should be p=1[Kev] /c where c is the speed of light.
 
Yep.

K=\sqrt{m_{0}^{2}c^{4}+p^{2}c^{2}}≈pc
so
p=\frac{1,6\cdot10^{-16} J}{3\cdot10^{8} \frac{m}{s}}=0,533 \cdot 10^{-24} kg\cdot\frac{m}{s}
and because Δp=\frac{1,05\cdot10^{-34}J\cdot s}{2\cdot 10^{-10}m}=0,525\cdot 10^{-24} kg\cdot \frac{m}{s}
we get
\frac{Δp}{p}≈0,98

:(
 
Could I get a bumpity-bump 'cause these exercises are crucial for the finals?
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
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...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top