Chapter 28, Problem 1OQ

To determine

Statement of uncertainty principle.

Answer to Problem 1OQ

Solution:

Option C. It is impossible to simultaneously know both the position and the moment of a particle with complete certainty.

Explanation of Solution

The principle of uncertainty is given by the Heisenberg in 1927. He stated that it’s impossible to simultaneously calculate the value of position and momentum of a particle with complete certainty, if the particle is moving at a speed relative to the speed of light.

The uncertainty in position and momentum is given as:

  $\Delta p\times \Delta x\ge \frac{h}{2\pi }$

Here,

  $\Delta p$ is the uncertainty in momentum.

  $\Delta x$ is the uncertainty in position.

  $h$ is Planck’s constant.

Conclusion:

It is impossible to calculate the momentum and position of a particle with complete certainty.