Help on 2 quantum mechanics of atoms problems

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on two quantum mechanics problems involving a proton's velocity and the electron configuration of an atom. The uncertainty in the proton's velocity is noted as +/- 0.010 m/s, which is crucial for applying the Uncertainty Principle to determine the maximum accuracy of its position. Participants clarify that the principal quantum number (n) indicates energy levels, not the number of electrons, and emphasize the need to consider quantum states for accurate electron counting in the n=6, l=4 subshell. The Uncertainty Principle is highlighted as essential for understanding the relationship between momentum and position uncertainties. Overall, the conversation stresses the importance of foundational quantum mechanics concepts for solving the posed problems.
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 ?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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