Uncertainty principle - just want to check my method

The uncertainty in position of the quark can be used to calculate the uncertainty in momentum, which can then be plugged into the equation for kinetic energy to estimate the value for the quark's kinetic energy.
  • #1
quantumlolz
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Homework Statement



Estimate the kinetic energy of a constituent quark of mass 300 MeV/c^2 confined insdide a proton of radius 1 fm

Homework Equations



Heisenberg's uncertainty principle [tex]\Delta x \Delta p \approx \hbar[/tex] (1)
Kinetic energy [tex] T=\frac{p^2}{2m}[/tex] (2)

The Attempt at a Solution



So we've got [tex]\Delta x[/tex]. So we can rearrange (1) to get [tex]\Delta p[/tex]

Then we need to use (2). Is it OK to just say [tex]\Delta T = \frac{\Delta p^{2}}{2m}[/tex]

Alternatively could we use the relation that delta T = dT/dp delta p but then we'd need to know p as well. And how would we then use this to get T?

This should be easy, but I never know when to use the second method using differentiation and when not to. Cheers.
 
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  • #2
quantumlolz said:

Homework Statement



Estimate the kinetic energy of a constituent quark of mass 300 MeV/c^2 confined insdide a proton of radius 1 fm

The Attempt at a Solution



So we've got [tex]\Delta x[/tex]. So we can rearrange (1) to get [tex]\Delta p[/tex]

Then we need to use (2). Is it OK to just say [tex]\Delta T = \frac{\Delta p^{2}}{2m}[/tex]

That is perfectly fine.
 

1. What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle, also known as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that the more precisely one measures the position of a particle, the less precisely one can know its momentum, and vice versa.

2. How does the uncertainty principle apply in real-world situations?

The uncertainty principle applies to all particles and objects in the universe, including atoms, molecules, and even macroscopic objects. It is a fundamental aspect of the behavior of matter on a subatomic level and plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of quantum systems.

3. What is the mathematical equation for the uncertainty principle?

The mathematical equation for the uncertainty principle is ∆x∆p ≥ h/4π, where ∆x represents the uncertainty in position, ∆p represents the uncertainty in momentum, and h is the Planck constant.

4. Can the uncertainty principle be violated or proven wrong?

No, the uncertainty principle is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and has been extensively tested and confirmed through experiments. It is a crucial part of our understanding of the behavior of matter on a subatomic level and cannot be violated or proven wrong.

5. How does the uncertainty principle impact our daily lives?

While the uncertainty principle may seem abstract and unrelated to our daily lives, it has had a significant impact on technology and advancements in fields such as medicine and engineering. Without a deep understanding of the uncertainty principle, many of the technologies we rely on today, such as computers and GPS, would not be possible.

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