Visualization of uncertainty principle [graphs]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around visualizing the uncertainty principle, particularly through the use of Fourier transforms and graphical representations. The original poster seeks graphs or visual aids to better understand this concept, indicating a focus on quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find visualizations related to the uncertainty principle and expresses difficulty in locating suitable graphs. Some participants provide insights into the theoretical aspects of the principle, while others inquire about the specific applications of Fourier transforms in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants are sharing resources and clarifying the types of visualizations that may be relevant. There is an ongoing exploration of different graphical representations, with some guidance offered regarding the application of Fourier transforms. The discussion remains open with no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a requirement to use MS Excel for the visualization, which raises questions about the software's capabilities in handling the necessary computations and graphical outputs. There is also a suggestion to consider posting in a more specialized sub-forum for quantum mechanics.

moniqu3
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Homework Statement


I'm looking for graphs or other sources of uncertainty principle visualization (I'm suppose to use a Fourier transform to solve it and present visualization in MS Excel... but one thing at a time).

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Digged google in 3 languages. I get a lot of equations and theory but not even one graph or other visualization.

Sorry about grammar mistakes since it's not my first language.
P.S: Should I post it in Quantum Mechanics sub-forum ?
Thanks in advance for Your help .
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Edited slightly from wikipedia:
Heisenberg_gamma_ray_microscope.png

Above is Heisenberg's gamma-ray microscope for locating an electron (shown in blue). The incoming gamma ray (shown in green) is scattered by the electron up into the microscope's aperture angle θ. The scattered gamma-ray is shown in red. Classical optics shows that the electron position can be resolved only up to an uncertainty Δx that depends on θ and the wavelength λ of the incoming light.

Hope this helps.
 
Not exactly what I'm looking for but it will help too. Thanks
I still can't find any graph with Fourier transformation used to make visualization
@edit
Yay, I've found one :
http://www.ams.org/samplings/feature-column/fcarc-uncertainty
Very simple example but will work just fine.
Im looking for something more like this, bell curves.

Maybe someone have higher 'google skill' than me
 
Last edited:
This is sort of what you are looking for.

nj180726fig2.jpg


What do you want to apply the Fourier transform to, the bell shaped curve? A wave packet? Several delta functions?

Will you be using software? I didn't know Excel was used for this type of thing, which parts can it handle, integrating?
 

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