Heisenberg principle, little question

In summary, the uncertainty in an object's momentum can be huge, but relativistic momentum is just p = \frac{m_0 v}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}, so v \rightarrow c as p \rightarrow \infty.
  • #1
fluidistic
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[tex]\Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}[/tex].
Say I want to measure the best I can the position of an electron, in detriment of its momentum (i.e. velocity since I assume that I know its mass quite well).
When [tex]\Delta x \to 0[/tex], [tex]\Delta p[/tex] should tend to [tex]+\infty[/tex] but there's the c limit so that I can't make [tex]\Delta x \to 0[/tex]. Unless I should consider the relativistic mass of the electron and not the rest mass in the [tex]\Delta p =mv[/tex] part of the inequality? So m would tend to [tex]+\infty[/tex] and I'm not really limited by a maximum limit of velocity and I can get a very precise measure for [tex]\Delta x[/tex].
 
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  • #2
fluidistic said:
[tex]\Delta p =mv[/tex]

[tex]\Delta p[/tex] is not a particle's momentum but it's uncertainty in its momentum and it can be huge.
 
  • #3
You can't assert [tex]p=mv[/tex], which is the non-relativistic momentum, and then assert that [tex]v \leq c[/tex] (and hence [tex]p \leq mc[/tex]) because of relativity.

Relativistic momentum is [tex]p = \frac{m_0 v}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/tex], so [tex]v \rightarrow c[/tex] as [tex]p \rightarrow \infty[/tex].
 
  • #4
maxverywell said:
[tex]\Delta p[/tex] is not a particle's momentum but it's uncertainty in its momentum and it can be huge.
I know.
alxm said:
You can't assert [tex]p=mv[/tex], which is the non-relativistic momentum, and then assert that [tex]v \leq c[/tex] (and hence [tex]p \leq mc[/tex]) because of relativity.

Relativistic momentum is [tex]p = \frac{m_0 v}{\sqrt{1 - \frac{v^2}{c^2}}}[/tex], so [tex]v \rightarrow c[/tex] as [tex]p \rightarrow \infty[/tex].

Ah ok. My m standed for the relativistic mass. That's what I meant in
Unless I should consider the relativistic mass of the electron and not the rest mass in the [tex] p =mv[/tex] part of the inequality? So m would tend to [tex]+\infty[/tex] and I'm not really limited by a maximum limit of velocity and I can get a very precise measure for [tex]\Delta x[/tex] .
Though now I don't understand what I meant by "I'm not really limited by a maximum limit of velocity".
Anyway I get the idea. And the [tex]\Delta p[/tex] is the relativistic momentum, which is what it seems I was doubting on.
Thanks guys, question solved.
 

FAQ: Heisenberg principle, little question

What is the Heisenberg principle?

The Heisenberg principle, also known as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty at the same time.

Who was Werner Heisenberg?

Werner Heisenberg was a German physicist who is best known for his contributions to quantum mechanics and for formulating the Heisenberg principle.

Why is the Heisenberg principle important?

The Heisenberg principle is important because it fundamentally changed our understanding of the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. It also has practical applications in various fields such as quantum computing and cryptography.

What are the implications of the Heisenberg principle?

The Heisenberg principle has several implications, including the fact that it limits our ability to make precise measurements at the quantum level. It also challenges our traditional understanding of cause and effect, as particles can behave unpredictably and have uncertain states.

Are there any exceptions to the Heisenberg principle?

While the Heisenberg principle is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics, there are some exceptions to it. For example, in certain cases, it is possible to know the position and momentum of a particle with greater precision. However, these exceptions are limited and do not contradict the principle itself.

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