Smallest Atomic Displacements Ever and quantum foam

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of measuring small atomic displacements and whether this measurement challenges the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. The topic touches on concepts from quantum mechanics and the nature of quantum foam at sub-Planck lengths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if measuring small distances encroaches upon the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
  • Another participant clarifies the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, stating it pertains to the simultaneous knowledge of position and momentum, suggesting that there is no encroachment involved.
  • There is a mention of quantum foam becoming significant at sub-Planck lengths, though its relevance to the discussion remains unclear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not seem to reach a consensus on the implications of measuring small distances in relation to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, with differing interpretations of its meaning and application.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a potential misunderstanding of terminology, as one participant initially refers to the "Hindenburg principle" instead of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, which may affect clarity.

goldsax
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hi, this is my first forum post, i hope it is in the correct category.
i was reading an article last month ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901142058.htm

now at these small distances that can be measured is the hindenburg principle of uncertainty being encroached upon?
thanks
 
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goldsax said:
hi, this is my first forum post, i hope it is in the correct category.
i was reading an article last month ...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901142058.htm

now at these small distances that can be measured is the hindenburg principle of uncertainty being encroached upon?
thanks

sorry about the quantum foam in the title as this become prominant at sub-Plank lengths.
 
Er... "hindenburg principle"?

Are you expecting something to crash and burn?

Zz.
 
yes i am expecting me to crash and burn on my first post!

i should stop copy/pasting..
i meant say Heisenberg uncertainty principle!
 
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle does not say that you can't know a particle position exactly. It says that you can't know the particle's position exactly AND its momentum exactly, at the same time. So there is no encroaching here.
 

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