Uncertainty for a particle diffracted through a single slit

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the minimum uncertainty in the vertical component of momentum for photons passing through a single slit. The problem involves a laser beam with a specific wavelength and slit width, and the user is struggling to apply the uncertainty principle correctly. There is confusion regarding the appropriate value to use for Δy and whether to use Planck's constant (h) or the reduced Planck's constant (ħ) in the calculations. The user is seeking assistance to clarify their approach and obtain the correct answer. The thread emphasizes the importance of correctly applying quantum mechanics principles to solve the problem.
GMarks
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A horizontal beam of laser light of wavelength 486 nm passes through a narrow slit that has width 0.0590 mm . The intensity of the light is measured on a vertical screen that is 2.90 m from the slit.
What is the minimum uncertainty in the vertical component of the momentum of each photon in the beam after the photon has passed through the slit?

Homework Equations


ΔyΔPy ≥ h

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried simply substituting the slit width for Δy and solving for momentum, but that gave me the wrong answer. I'm extremely confused, as this shouldn't be a hard question but I can't seem to get an answer the system will accept. Can anyone help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
GMarks said:
ΔyΔPy ≥ h
You mean ##\hbar##, right?
Please post your working and, if you know it, the official answer.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »

Similar threads

Single slit with minimum uncertainty
Replies
10
Views
9K
Calculate the minimum uncertainty
Replies
5
Views
8K
Uncertainty in single slit diffraction
Replies
9
Views
6K
Uncertainty -- particle through single slit
Replies
1
Views
3K
HW Question regarding double-slit interference
Replies
8
Views
2K
Single/double slit diffraction intensity
Replies
3
Views
2K
Single Slit Interference Pattern: Increased Distance
Replies
1
Views
3K
Slit Width & Single Slit Diffraction
Replies
3
Views
2K
What does "minimum range of uncertainty" mean in QM?
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Single slit diffraction and the HUP
Replies
25
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top