Theory of the Equation

$\Delta p \Delta x\geq \frac{h}{4\pi }$

Bryce Ramirez 1J
Posts: 120
Joined: Sat Aug 24, 2019 12:16 am

Theory of the Equation

Can someone explain in simple terms what the whole theory is for the equation. If uncertainty of the position is small, does that mean that they are actually very certain of the location. And visa-versa, if the uncertainty of the position is very large, then it means the actual certainty of the position is very small? And multiplying both uncertainties and having to get an answer that is greater than or equal to (1/2) * h would prove that the two values of the uncertainty is correct, but why?

DMuth_1J
Posts: 63
Joined: Thu Jul 11, 2019 12:15 am

Re: Theory of the Equation

The uncertainty equation relates to objects that are incredibly small, like an electron. In class the example used was of the photon laser that is used in grocery stores. For us, because we are massive compared to an electron, we get hit by a photon and nothing happens. When an electron gets hit by a photon, however, it offsets the electron and sends it off course. Therefore, when we know the position of an electron at a given time (because it crossed the photon laser), we offset its course and the uncertainty of its momentum decreases. It's an inverse relationship, so as we are more certain of one thing we are less certain of the other. As for the checking, we know for a fact that we can only be certain of both the momentum and the position up to a number, which is why the checking method you mentioned is the case.