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Uncertainty Principle
Uncertainty Principle
Uncertainty Principle
UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
INTRODUCTION
In classical physics it is generally assumed that position and momentum of a moving
object can be simultaneously measured exactly i.e. no uncertainties are involved in its
description. But in microscopic world it is not possible. It is found that however refined our
instruments there is a fundamental limitation to the accuracy with which the position and
velocity of microscopic particle can be known simultaneously. This limitation was
expressed by a German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1927 and known as 'Heisenberg's
uncertainty principle'.
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STATEMENT
According to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle:
It is impossible to determine both position and momentum of an electron simultaneously.
If one quantity is known then the determination of the other quantity will become
impossible.
MATHEMATICAL
REPRESENTATION
Let
x = uncertainty in position
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P = uncertainty in momentum
According to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle:
The product of the uncertainty in position and the uncertainty in momentum is in
the order of an amount involving h, which is Planck’s constant.
P x x h
RESULTS OF
UNCERTAINTY
PRINCIPLE
It is impossible to chase an electron around the nucleus.
The principle describes the incompleteness of Bohr's atomic theory.
According to Heisenberg's uncertainty principle there is no circular orbit around the
nucleus.
Exact position of an electron can not be determined precisely.
LIMITATIONS OF
PRINCIPLE
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is not applicable in our daily life. It is only applicable on
micro objects i.e. subatomic particles.