How Is Uncertainty in Position Determined for a Confined Proton?

Thread starter MarkusNaslund19
Start date Apr 11, 2007
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Principle Uncertainty Uncertainty principle

AI Thread Summary

The uncertainty in the position of a confined proton is debated, with some suggesting it should be represented as d/2 while others argue for using the full diameter, d. The reasoning for d/2 is based on the assumption that the proton is likely to be positioned in the center of the confined space, leading to a maximum deviation of d/2. This discrepancy in defining uncertainty creates confusion in calculations and interpretations. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards d/2 as the more accurate representation of positional uncertainty. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate quantum mechanics applications.

Apr 11, 2007

MarkusNaslund19

Let's say a proton is confined to some diameter, d. What would be the uncertainty in the position?

In some questions they use delx as (1/2)d as the uncertainty in position. In other cases they use the entire d as the uncertainty. This is extremely confusing...

Last edited: Apr 11, 2007

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Apr 12, 2007

christianjb

Must be d/2

If I guess that the proton is in the middle, then the most I can be wrong by is d/2.

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