Uncertainty Principle & Nucleons - Sam

[Rabadi]

Hello,

Lately, I have been thinking about the uncertainty principle (UP) and how it applies to the nucleons. Now, I understand that the reason that the electrons do not collapse into the nucleus may be explained by the UP. If the electrons collapse into the nucleus, the uncertainty in position would be so small that the momentum of the electrons would be so great that the electrons would simply fly off. So here comes my question, if the protons (or neutrons) are localized in the nucleus, then they're momentum must also be large. However, that's not the case since they're bound by the strong force. Is this a violation of the UP? Or am I missing some concept?

I would appreciate any response. Thank you.

Sam

 

[Quaoar]

UP presents a relationship between uncertainty in position and uncertainty in momentum. Since the nucleons have far more mass, they can be "localized" easier than an electron with the same velocity uncertainty.