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.
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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?
 
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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?
 
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