What is Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle?

AI Thread Summary
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle is commonly expressed as Δx Δp ≥ ħ/2, which is equivalent to Δx Δp ≥ h/4π. There is confusion among students regarding the correct formulation, as some sources, including textbooks and Wikipedia, present variations. The principle emphasizes the relationship between the uncertainties in position (x) and momentum (p) of a particle. Standard deviations are used in the formula, reinforcing the concept that precise measurements of one quantity limit the accuracy of the other. Understanding these variations is crucial for mastering the principle in physics.
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What is Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle??

Homework Statement


Hey everyone,

Until very recently, I had always thought that Heisenberg's uncertainty principle was that
\Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{h}{2\pi} (or \hbar)

However, I'm doing my final year of high school physics this year, and my physics teacher, tutor, random textbooks and even Wikipedia say its \Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{h}{4\pi}.
(Well Wikipedia also says its \Delta x \Delta p \geq h so yeah...LOL)

I was just wondering which one was really correct. I'm thinking \frac{h}{2\pi} like it says in Giancoli and Halliday/Resnick? But not really sure.

Thank you =D
 
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Well every textbook I have seen it in says that it is:
\frac{\hbar}{2}
which is equivalent to:
\frac{h}{4\pi}

Perhaps others could shed some light on why you may see it displayed different ways in different situations... But, as far as I know this is the actual formula. and it is really the standard deviations of x and p, written like:
\sigma_{x}\sigma_{p}\geq\frac{1}{2}\hbar
 


Well, Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle strikes again!
 
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