- #1
Wilsh
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Just because one cannot know both where an atom is and how fast it is moving, does that mean that it doesn’t have a specific place and speed at any moment?
In summary, the "Bell experiment" claims to show that the "hidden variables" interpretation (that, for example, an electron really has a specific position and momentum, we just can't measure all of the variables) cannot be true.
- #2
DrChinese
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Welcome to PhysicForums, Wilsh!
That is a great question, and one that is the subject of ongoing debate. Many physicists interpret the HUP to say that there are experimental bounds to our knowledge of a fundamental particle (such as an electron).
There are others who say that the HUP is a "complete" representation of the quantum world, and that reality is shaped by the nature of observations we make upon it.
Ultimately, it is a matter of your interpretation. However, there are trade-offs. If you assert that there is an exact simultaneous position and momentum for a particle, you must be prepared to accept non-locality of cause and effect.
That is a great question, and one that is the subject of ongoing debate. Many physicists interpret the HUP to say that there are experimental bounds to our knowledge of a fundamental particle (such as an electron).
There are others who say that the HUP is a "complete" representation of the quantum world, and that reality is shaped by the nature of observations we make upon it.
Ultimately, it is a matter of your interpretation. However, there are trade-offs. If you assert that there is an exact simultaneous position and momentum for a particle, you must be prepared to accept non-locality of cause and effect.
- #3
HallsofIvy
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The "Bell experiment" claims to show that the "hidden variables" interpretation (that, for example, an electron really has a specific position and momentum, we just can't measure all of the variables) cannot be true.
(Oh, and while the map is not the territory, the map is a territory!)
(Oh, and while the map is not the territory, the map is a territory!)
- #4
Anonym
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Welcome to PhysicForums, Wilsh!
Who told you that? Just inject it into the bubble chamber and you will see it trajectory and could measure where an atom was and how fast it was moving.
I am sure that after second thought DrChinese agree with me that this will prepare you to accept locality of cause and effect.
Welcome again to PF.
My best wishes, Wilsh!
Dany.
Wilsh said:
Who told you that? Just inject it into the bubble chamber and you will see it trajectory and could measure where an atom was and how fast it was moving.
I am sure that after second thought DrChinese agree with me that this will prepare you to accept locality of cause and effect.
Welcome again to PF.
My best wishes, Wilsh!
Dany.
Last edited:
- #5
DrChinese
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HallsofIvy said:
I like it!- #6
ueit
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Wilsh said:
As Heisenberg himself pointed out, HUP does not apply to the past, it is only about our capacity to make predictions.
Put a point source very far away from a screen and let it emit particles for a very short period of time. Once you detect a particle at the screen you can calculate both its position and momentum with unlimited accuracy.
- #7
Wilsh
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Thanks a lot guys. I'm trying to learn some things about quantum physics so I'll probably be asking more questions. Oh and some forewarning. Sorry for my ignorance I'm only a senior in high school. But I'm stoked that you guys are so helpful.
FAQ: Atom's Place and Speed: A Curious Question
What is the relationship between an atom's speed and its place in space?
An atom's speed and place in space are directly related. As an atom's speed increases, its place in space becomes more spread out and less defined. This is due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that we cannot know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty.
How does an atom's place and speed affect its chemical properties?
The place and speed of an atom can greatly impact its chemical properties. Atoms with higher speeds have more energy and are more likely to collide with other atoms, leading to chemical reactions. Additionally, the spatial distribution of an atom can determine its ability to bond with other atoms and form molecules.
Can an atom's speed and place be measured accurately?
Due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, it is impossible to measure an atom's speed and place simultaneously with 100% accuracy. However, scientists have developed techniques such as quantum tunneling and atom trapping to make more precise measurements of these properties.
How do temperature and pressure affect an atom's speed and place?
Temperature and pressure can greatly impact an atom's speed and place. In a higher temperature environment, atoms have more kinetic energy and therefore move at higher speeds. Similarly, atoms in a high-pressure environment are more tightly packed and may have less space to move around, resulting in slower speeds and a more defined place in space.
What happens to an atom's place and speed at absolute zero temperature?
At absolute zero temperature, an atom's speed theoretically reaches its minimum possible value of zero. However, this does not mean that the atom is stationary or that its place in space is completely defined. The uncertainty principle still applies, so the atom's place will still have some degree of uncertainty even at absolute zero.