Indeterminacy of Momentum

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

Natalie Noble 1G
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Joined: Thu Feb 01, 2018 3:02 am
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Indeterminacy of Momentum

For the example of Heisenberg we did in class, we found the indeterminacy of momentum, but then we went on to find the indeterminacy of velocity. I was just wondering why we did that extra step, why didn't we just stop with indeterminacy of momentum?

Fiona Grant 1I
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Joined: Fri Apr 06, 2018 11:03 am

Re: Indeterminacy of Momentum

I think that you will always have to calculate the indeterminacy in velocity using delta p = (mass) x (delta v). Momentum includes both mass and velocity in the value, so it is difficult to infer anything useful from just the indeterminacy in momentum. This is why we took the extra step and found the indeterminacy of velocity, because only at that point can you determine whether or not the value you calculate is realistic.

Anna De Schutter - 1A
Posts: 66
Joined: Wed Feb 21, 2018 3:01 am

Re: Indeterminacy of Momentum

I agree, we don't really have a number to which we can compare the uncertainty of momentum to see if it's realistic, but it's easy to compare the uncertainty of velocity to the speed of light to see if it is realistic.

Anna De Schutter - section 1A