Is It Possible for an Electron to Be Completely Still?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter repugno
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electron Rest
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether an electron can be completely at rest, exploring concepts related to the uncertainty principle and de Broglie wavelength. The scope includes theoretical implications and interpretations of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that an electron can be at rest, referencing the uncertainty principle, \(\Delta x \Delta p \geq h/4 \pi\), suggesting that if there is complete uncertainty in position, the electron could theoretically be at rest.
  • Others argue that if the momentum uncertainty is zero, the de Broglie wavelength would become infinite, indicating a complete lack of knowledge about the electron's position.
  • A later reply questions the implications of an infinite wavelength, suggesting it corresponds to a scenario where the electron's position is entirely unknown.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the uncertainty principle regarding an electron's ability to be at rest, with no consensus reached on the interpretation of these quantum concepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the relationship between position and momentum in quantum mechanics, particularly regarding the implications of infinite wavelength and the conditions under which an electron might be considered at rest.

repugno
Messages
78
Reaction score
0
Can an electron be at rest?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yes, according the uncertainty principle, \Delta x \Delta p \geq h/4 \pi, when you completely have no idea where the electron is... it could be at rest...(it's like playing HIDE AND SEEK when you were young)
 
vincentchan said:
yes, according the uncertainty principle, \Delta x \Delta p \geq h/4 \pi, when you completely have no idea where the electron is... it could be at rest...(it's like playing HIDE AND SEEK when you were young)

Ahhh, so that is what is meant when the de broglie wavelength is infinite? h/0
 
yes, p = hk/2\pi = h/ \lambda
if the uncertainty of momentum is zero, sure the wavelength will go to infinity. That's also mean you have completely no idea where the electron is...
 

Similar threads

High School Electron's movement after getting hit by a photon that bounces at 90 degrees
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Undergrad Mass of Electron & Flipping Frequency: Leonard Susskind Explains
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Amount of electrons in nuclei
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Undergrad Electron energy in atoms
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad Will an electron release energy when it is added into an atom?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Generating Entangled Electron Pairs
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School Determining Electron's Momentum and Position Simultaneously
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
High School Compton Effect -- Why is the electron considered to initially be at rest?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Collapse of the electron wave function due to inelastic interactions
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Quantum behaviour of an electron around a positively charged sphere
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K