Help on 2 quantum mechanics of atoms problems

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two quantum mechanics problems: determining the maximum accuracy of a proton's position given its velocity uncertainty, and understanding the electron capacity of a specific atomic subshell defined by quantum numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of velocity uncertainty on position accuracy, questioning how to incorporate the uncertainty value into calculations. There is also a discussion regarding the interpretation of quantum numbers, particularly the relationship between the principal quantum number and the number of electrons in a subshell.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the concepts, with some providing guidance on the uncertainty principle and prompting further exploration of quantum states. There is a lack of consensus on the specific calculations needed, but productive questions are being raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of quantum mechanics principles, including the uncertainty principle and the rules governing quantum states. There is mention of the need for further reading to clarify these concepts.

supermenscher
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A proton is traveling with a speed of (6.550+/- 0.010)e5 m/s. With what maximum accuracy can its position be ascertained.

I know that p=mv and x=p/h but what do I do with the +/- 0.010, that is the part that confuses me.

How many electrons can be in the n=6, l=4 subshell. I know that l is n-1, so that can be 5, and n=6, so can the atom have 5 electrons?
 
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supermenscher said:
I know that p=mv and x=p/h but what do I do with the +/- 0.010, that is the part that confuses me.

That's the uncertainty in the velocity.

How many electrons can be in the n=6, l=4 subshell. I know that l is n-1, so that can be 5, and n=6, so can the atom have 5 electrons?

No. n is not the number of electrons in a shell, it's the energy level. You need to list out the quantum states and count them.
 
Yes I know that 0.010 is the uncertainity of the velcoity, but how do I incorporate that into the equation?
 
supermenscher said:
Yes I know that 0.010 is the uncertainity of the velcoity, but how do I incorporate that into the equation?

Sorry, but I'm not answering that one directly. You should be reading the book.

Now think: What principle in quantum mechanics expresses a mathematical relationship between uncertainty in momentum and uncertainty in position?
 
x = p/h ? Not true ! Reread the part about the Uncertainty Principle.

For a given value of 'l', how many values can 'm' take ? For each of these 'm', how many values of 's' can there be ?
 

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