What Is the Minimum Lifetime of a Nuclear State with 1 eV Uncertainty?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The minimum lifetime of a nuclear state with an energy uncertainty of 1 eV can be calculated using the Heisenberg uncertainty principle formula, ΔEΔt = h/(4π). A participant in the discussion calculated a lifetime of approximately 3.291E-16 seconds, but faced issues with numerical acceptance in their computations. Another participant provided a more precise value of 3.297E-16 seconds, suggesting that discrepancies may arise from approximation errors in numerical methods.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics concepts
  • Basic proficiency in numerical methods and error analysis
  • Knowledge of Planck's constant (h)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Heisenberg uncertainty principle in detail
  • Explore numerical methods for solving quantum mechanics problems
  • Learn about error analysis techniques in computational physics
  • Investigate the implications of energy-time uncertainty in nuclear physics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, quantum mechanics researchers, and anyone interested in the principles of nuclear states and their lifetimes.

physicsss
Messages
319
Reaction score
0
The energy of a certain nuclear state can be measured with an uncertainty 1 eV. What is the minimum lifetime of this state?

I used (delta_E)(delta_t)=h/(4*pi) and solved for delta_t and got it wrong. Any ideas?

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It is the only way to do it. I what sense did you get it wrong...?

Daniel.
 
Numerically. I got 3.291E-16, but the computer didn't accept it...
 
physicsss said:
Numerically. I got 3.291E-16, but the computer didn't accept it...
To three dp, I got 3.297x10^-16, so maybe it's just an approximation error.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
Replies
6
Views
6K