## 1B.25

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

Megan Vu 1J
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Jul 25, 2019 12:15 am

### 1B.25

For this question, it asks, "What is the minimum uncertainty in the speed of an electron confined within a lead atom of diameter 350. pm? Model the atom as a one-dimensional box with a length equal to the diameter of the actual atom."

I got the answer of 1.65 x 10^5 m*s^-1. However, I'm confused about the second statement for modeling. Is there a certain way to model the atom?

Trinity Vu 1D
Posts: 53
Joined: Fri Aug 30, 2019 12:15 am

### Re: 1B.25

I think it just refers to how you think about the space the electron has to travel in the atom. It's easier to think about it as 1 dimensional because then you only have to think about the uncertainty of position within one plane rather than the three dimensional plane that would involve x, y, and z planes thus making the uncertainty of position much greater since it would be in multiple directions/planes.

Sydney Myers 4I
Posts: 100
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: 1B.25

I'm confused about this one as well, particularly on how a one-dimensional box can even exist?? Boxes are two-dimensional right?

205150314
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Feb 20, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: 1B.25

Trinity Vu 1D wrote:I think it just refers to how you think about the space the electron has to travel in the atom. It's easier to think about it as 1 dimensional because then you only have to think about the uncertainty of position within one plane rather than the three dimensional plane that would involve x, y, and z planes thus making the uncertainty of position much greater since it would be in multiple directions/planes.

would the atoms size be considered the position of the electron?

Diana_Diep2I
Posts: 130
Joined: Sat Aug 17, 2019 12:17 am

### Re: 1B.25

Sydney Myers 4H wrote:I'm confused about this one as well, particularly on how a one-dimensional box can even exist?? Boxes are two-dimensional right?

I think the box is drawn as a square, hence 1 dimensional.