Heisenberg Definition and 309 Threads

Werner Karl Heisenberg (; German pronunciation: [ˈvɛɐ̯nɐ ˈhaɪzn̩ˌbɛɐ̯k] (listen); 5 December 1901 – 1 February 1976) was a German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. He published his work in 1925 in a breakthrough paper. In the subsequent series of papers with Max Born and Pascual Jordan, during the same year, this matrix formulation of quantum mechanics was substantially elaborated. He is known for the uncertainty principle, which he published in 1927. Heisenberg was awarded the 1932 Nobel Prize in Physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics".Heisenberg also made important contributions to the theories of the hydrodynamics of turbulent flows, the atomic nucleus, ferromagnetism, cosmic rays, and subatomic particles. He was a principal scientist in the German nuclear weapons program during World War II. He was also instrumental in planning the first West German nuclear reactor at Karlsruhe, together with a research reactor in Munich, in 1957.
Following World War II, he was appointed director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics, which soon thereafter was renamed the Max Planck Institute for Physics. He was director of the institute until it was moved to Munich in 1958. He then became director of the Max Planck Institute for Physics and Astrophysics from 1960 to 1970.
Heisenberg was also president of the German Research Council, chairman of the Commission for Atomic Physics, chairman of the Nuclear Physics Working Group, and president of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

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  1. C

    Design an expiriement/lab/activity related to Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    Any guidance towards designing an expiriement/lab/activity related to Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle? It doesn't have to be complex or anything, just something at least related to the HUP. I can't think of anything, my understanding is that this principle only really applies at the quantum...
  2. B

    Help with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

    Today I was assigned a question (that is due tomorrow) and I currenlty have very little idea how to solve it... Any help to get me started here would be greatly appreciated. 1. Use the uncertainty principle to estimate the uncertainty in energy of a proton confined to a nucleus 1.0 x 10^-14m in...
  3. B

    Help with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

    Today I was assigned a question (that is due tomorrow) and I currenlty have very little idea how to solve it... Any help to get me started here would be greatly appreciated. 1. Use the uncertainty principle to estimate the uncertainty in energy of a proton confined to a nucleus 1.0 x 10^-14m in...
  4. M

    Heisenberg and wave-particle duality related questions

    Hello everyone. I've been reading the forums for a while so decided to register hoping to increase my learning curve in my physics and mathematics classes. I started back to college last year after a 5 year break since I had quit college. I was previously a music education major, so when I...
  5. A

    Heisenberg Uncertainty Principal with regards to electron orbits

    Hello all, I have gathered that the orbit of an electron cannot be calculated due to the uncertainty principal which states that position becomes uncertain when momentum is measured and vice versa. From this I understand that an orbit is not possible for an electron, hence the term...
  6. R

    Understanding the Differences Between Ising and Heisenberg Models

    I've a problem to understand the Ising model and the Heisenberg model. Can anyone explain to me what is the different between ising model and the Heisenberg model?
  7. G

    Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle Question

    A measurement establishes the position of a proton with an accuracy of ±1.00 x 10 ^ -11 m. Find the uncertainty in the proton's position 1.00s later. DE Dt ≥ h / 4 ∏ Dx Dp ≥ h / 4 ∏ using DE Dt ≥ h / 4 ∏ DE = 5.276*10^-35 J where t = 1.00s I am stuck as...
  8. pellman

    Heisenberg equation of motion for fermions?

    In the Heisenberg picture, we move the time dependence away from the states and incorporate them in the operators. That is, if we write the time dependent state in the Schrodinger picture as |\Psi(t)\rangle=e^{-iHt}|\Psi\rangle, then an expectation value for an operator Q at time t, which we...
  9. pellman

    Time translation in the heisenberg picture?

    A fundamental quantity that we calculate with QM is \langle \Phi|\Psi\rangle-- the probability amplitude for observing a system to be in state |\Phi\rangle given that it is in state |\Psi\rangle. In the Schrodinger picture the states are time-dependent and we can ask, "What is the probability...
  10. C

    Heisenberg Undertainty Principle

    I was reading a book and came upon these lines: Based on these lines alone, what would you make of the author's grasp on the principle? If you didn't know what the HUP was, what impression would you get?
  11. L

    Did I Make a Mistake? A Sign Error in an Exercise Answer

    Did I do this right? An exercise in a book where my answer came out opposite from the author's. [PLAIN]"camoo.freeshell.org/22.9.pdf"[/URL] Laura
  12. T

    Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle to estimate the position uncertainty

    A block is at rest. The block is macroscopic so we can see that it is at rest and where it is, i.e. we know its position with certainty. Suppose we use the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle to estimate the position uncertainty Δ x. Consider the following argument: Since the engine is at rest...
  13. C

    Heisenberg and energy of an electron in a potential well

    [SOLVED] Heisenberg and energy of an electron in a potential well Homework Statement An electron is confined within a one dimensional potential well that measures 1 nm. using the uncertainty principle, estimate the order of magnitude for the ground state energy of the electron in the well in...
  14. P

    The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and bacteria

    A student is examining a bacterium under the microscope. The bacterial cell has a mass of 0.200 (a femtogram is 10^-15) and is swimming at 4.00 microns per second, with an uncertainty in the speed of 5.00%. E.coli bacterial cells are around 1 micron, or 10^-6 meters in length. The student is...
  15. T

    Connection between Dyson's equation and Heisenberg equation of motion

    Might there be a similarity between Dyson's equation and Heisenberg equation? (It's just a feeling, nothing based on arguments.) Both describe how a system (density matrix or Green's function) behaves in time. Both require knowledge of the intial system at time t=0 and the potential acting on...
  16. S

    Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle question

    [SOLVED] Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle question Suppose that the x-compenent of the velocity of a 3.0 x 10^-4 kg mass is measured to an accuracy of plus or minus 10^-6 m/s. What then is the limit of the accuracy with which we can locate the particle along the x-axis? Any help on where to...
  17. W

    Creating a Black Hole: Exploring the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    If a neutron star is made solely of neutrons that show no repulsion to each other, protons and electrons have merged by overcoming electron degeneracy pressure so all the empty space taken up by electron shells is removed, how do u get anything denser to the level of being a black hole? If a...
  18. M

    Numerical solution of heisenberg model

    Homework Statement Hi! I'm studying a computational physics course and have been ok so far but the newest problem relates to quantum mechanics and I am struggling to understand... I would really appreciate it if someone could help me . i want to solve the Heisenberg hamiltonian for 10...
  19. J

    Heisenberg incertitude principe ? contradicting ?

    hey does the Heisenberg incertitude principe really show that there are random numbers in nature ? Because to me doesn't sound very logic that the future is not predefined. I mean that it would mean that if my magic we could "Roll back time , and press the play button", things won't happen...
  20. G

    Derivation of the Hamiltonian of the Heisenberg model

    Homework Statement Show that the Hamiltonian of the Heisenberg model can be written as: H=\sum^{N}_{k=1}[H_{z}(k)+H_{f}(k)] where H_{z}(k)\equivS^{z}(k)S^{z}(k+1) H_{f}(k)\equiv(1/2)[S^{+}(k)S^{-}(k+1)+S^{-}(k)S^{+}(k+1)] Homework Equations As above The Attempt at a Solution I...
  21. M

    Usefulness of Heisenberg picture?

    I'm a little confused as to why anyone would want to use the Heisenberg picture of time evolution instead of the Schrodinger picture, beyond showing that the equations of motion are similar to those of classical mechanics. For example, consider a free particle. Using the Heisenberg equations of...
  22. L

    Heisenberg Equations of Motion, Solving for S(t) in Spin Precession problem

    Problem Consider the spin precession problem in the Heisenberg picture. Using the Hamiltonian H=-\omega S_{z} where \omega=\frac{eB}{mc} write the Heisenberg equations of motion for the time dependent operators S_{x}(t), S_{y}(t), and S_{z}(t). Solve them to obtain \vec{S} as a function...
  23. G

    Understanding Heisenberg, Hamiltonians and Spin Chains

    Homework Statement Hi! I'm studying a computational physics course and have been ok so far but the newest problem relates to quantum mechanics (which I haven't studied) and I am struggling to understand... I would really appreciate it if someone could help me understand the physics side of...
  24. L

    What Is the Minimum Uncertainty in the Length of the Year?

    Sorry for the other post, I clicked post by mistake Homework Statement Find the minimum uncertainty in the length of the year Homework Equations \DeltaPx >= \hbar/(2\Deltax The Attempt at a Solution I did: \Deltat = (((\Deltaxt)/x)^{}2+((xm)/\DeltaPx)^{}2)^{}.5 and then...
  25. P

    What Are Heisenberg Spin Chains?

    Heisenberg spin chains?? Hello, I need references to read about Heisenberg spin chains, XYZ model,... Can someone help please? Thanks
  26. L

    On Heisenberg Principle - ParticleWave Hybrid

    From [X, Py] = 0 follows that i can build a simultaneous autoket of X and Py (momentum on Y axis). Should i expect to observe a particle on X axis and a wave on Y axis? Does it make any sense? bests, Ll.
  27. N

    Unclear about the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

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  28. T

    Basic Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    Homework Statement According the the Uncertainty Principle, an electron of mass m when placed on a 'flat' tabletop will actually 'float' above the table i.e. the vertical position of the electron will be spread out over some distance. Use the uncertainty principle to find an expression for...
  29. M

    Question about the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    Homework Statement Suppose the minimum uncertainty in the position of a particle is equal to its de Broglie wavelength. If the particle has an average speed of 4.7 105 m/s, what is the minimum uncertainty in its speed? Homework Equations lambda=h/p & (Py)(Y) is greater than or...
  30. heusdens

    Planck size and Heisenberg and relativity

    Is the Planck time/length/mass affected by relativity, or are they constant (independent of relative velocity and/or gravitation field)? Same question for the Heisenberg Uncertainty Relation. Is it observer dependent?
  31. A

    I this formula is true according to Heisenberg uncertainty principle

    Is this formula is true according to Heisenberg uncertainty principle? the formula that describes the velocity is equal to the change of the displacement over the change of time,,,,, is this formula true according to Heisenberg uncertainty principle? specially it is impossible measuring the...
  32. O

    Heisenberg uncertainty principle

    Hey guys I have a few questions... My book defines the Heisenberg uncertainty principle by ∆x∆Px >= aitch-bar All other resources I have have it stated as ∆x∆Px >= aitch-bar/2. They mention that ∆Px and ∆x represent the rms values of independent measurements. My book represents ∆x...
  33. L

    Heisenberg UP and space homogeneity - an intuitive reasoning

    Let's consider the position x and momentum p of a free particle. \Delta\ x\Delta\ p\geq \hbar/2 so, if \Delta \ x is little enough, \Delta \ p is big enough. The fact \Delta \ p is big implies that we cannot say the momentum conservation law is valid anylonger. But: space is...
  34. V

    Exploring Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    This quote is from a physicist in another forum: I can't believe that is true. I have seen the Heisenberg principle applied, but not like this. Can somebody shed some light :)
  35. RogerPink

    Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and Gaussian Distributions

    I was reading about the derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and how Heisenberg used Gaussian Distributions to represent the uncertainty of position and momentum in his calculation. Why is it that Gaussian Distributions were used? There are many different types of distributions...
  36. F

    The Heisenberg Uncertainty Princeple

    Hey Guys, I've got a question, could you help me? Can you tell me why the minimum of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Princeple is h bar over two, and how can we say the associate state is the Guass state. I hope you can do it more mathematically.
  37. O

    Understanding Fourier Series and Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    Not sure if this should go into a math section, but I am trying to understand it in order to understand the Hesenberg uncertainy principle. I can't find a simple introduction to Fourier series to answer this question. In my modern physics book, it does a quick introduction to Fourier series...
  38. S

    Heisenberg and quantum mechanics

    Heisenberg showed that, even in theory with a hypothetical infinitely precise instrument, no measurement could be made to arbitrary accuracy of both the position and the momentum of a physical object. What I want to know is how? How did he show it coz that conters my belief of...
  39. D

    Reduction in Heisenberg uncertainty

    I am writing this on the curiosity of the results of a theoretical experiment. Imagine a photon moving thorugh space. It is moving freely through three dimentions and time. Using the Lorentz contraction we can only know approximately where it will be in 3 dimentions for a given time and speed...
  40. A

    A contradiction of Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

    A contradiction of Heisenberg uncertainty principle?? Suppose an atom is cooled to 0 K (Practically impossible). However theoretically, all its motion will cease ; and therefore it will be possible to determine the exact position of the atom and exact velocity (which is zero).Doesn't this...
  41. K

    Heisenberg uncertainty principle (simple stuff)

    I'm having a little trouble with my textbook's explanation. This is regarding the energy - time variation of the uncertainty principle; very basic stuff, so I hope helping me out won't take too much. Let me quote exactly: "... the energy conservation can appear to be violated by an amount...
  42. C

    Statistical form of Heisenberg Uncertainty

    I don't like to assume things without checking.. Is the distribution really a 'normal distribution' aka Gaussian? Is this an experimental result or a 'good enough' assumption?
  43. L

    Regarding human influence and Heisenberg

    Ok...I'm new to these forums and am just beginning to understand quantum physics, so please be kind. I've been reading those Brian Greene books and I have a question that I don't think he addressed. If I understand correctly, some believe that IF we could measure the position, velocity and...
  44. W

    What do the terms in Heisenberg's matrices represent?

    I was just thinking about what does every one of the terms in Heisenberg's matrices stands for so I decied to post a new thread in physicsforums since I am sure I will obtain an answer before long. Thanks an try to explain it in plain languaje (if possible) because I am not an expert
  45. S

    What Is Heisenberg Hamiltonian?

    Hi. Can anyone tell me what exactly the "Heisenberg Hamiltonian" is? I found it in an article related to: the renormalization group. Thanks in advance. Somy:smile:
  46. B

    Finding expectation value using Heisenberg picture

    We have a particle in a harmonic oscillator potential. The eigenstates are denoted {|0>,|1>,...,|n>,...}. Initially the particle is in the state |s> = exp(-ipa)|0>, where p is the momentum operator. I need to find <x> as a function of time using the Heisenberg picture. The problem is, how do...
  47. A

    Recoil energy and Heisenberg Uncertainty principal

    I need to prove that the act of measuring exactly the position of an electron would change its orbit. change in position x change in momentum = h the limit would suggest that knowing the location exactly would set the change in momentum p= h What is the formula that relates energy...
  48. Whitestar

    The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

    The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle tells us that while it is possible to measure the position and velocity with reasonable accuracy, we cannot measure both an atom's position and velocity at the same time. The reason for this is simple. For instance, to find the position of an atom, we must...
  49. M

    Heisenberg imcertainty principle (get it)

    I don't understand why it is so hard to find the exact position and velocity of orbiting electron. And also, why would we want to know it, if it is always moving? I am not trying to disprove it or anything, so don't make fun of me, i am an uneducated peon
  50. J

    Learn QM in Heisenberg Formalism: Texts/Sources

    Can anyone recommend any texts / online sources for learning QM in the Heisenberg formalism? I don't want some 'basics of' book - nitty gritty maths is what I'm after.
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