Heisenberg's Principle: Understanding Time & Energy

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In summary, the principle of uncertainty states that we cannot determine both the position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This is due to the fact that in order to accurately measure the position of a particle, we must interact with it using photons, which can alter its velocity. The same principle applies to time and energy, as energy is a cumulative effect and in order to accurately measure it, we need to give the particle time to interact with others. This leads to an inequality in the energy distribution of a wave packet and the time it takes to measure it, as shown by Aharonov and Bohm.
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pi.rootpi
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Hi, I've a doubt!
The principle says that we cannot find simultaneity the position and the momentum of a particle, I understand this because if I haven't understood bad it's because to find the position of a particle we need to trhow photons to it (and more and more) as much as we want to be precis and this changes its velocity.

The one i don't understant is the one of time and energy. Why can't we find both exactly?


Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Energy defines how particle interact with the others. So you need to give it some time to interact.
 
  • #3
Energy is a kind of cumulation effect. If you want to survey the energy of a system accurately, you need some time. So the time becomes inaccurate.
 
  • #4
It's the inequality obeyed by the deviation of the energy distibution of the states forming a wave packet that evolves with a wave function [itex]\Psi(t)[/itex]. In other words, a relation between the energy distribution of a wave packet and the characteristic time it takes to deform.

The interpretation stating that "the more accurately you want to measure the energy of a system, the more time it takes to measure" was shown to be wrong by Aharonov and Bohm in http://cos.cumt.edu.cn/jpkc/dxwl/zl/zl1/Physical%20Review%20Classics/quantum/019.pdf"
 
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FAQ: Heisenberg's Principle: Understanding Time & Energy

What is Heisenberg's Principle?

Heisenberg's Principle, also known as the Uncertainty Principle, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and velocity of a subatomic particle at the same time. This means that the more precisely one quantity is measured, the less precisely the other can be known.

How does Heisenberg's Principle relate to time and energy?

Heisenberg's Principle not only applies to position and velocity, but also to other pairs of complementary variables, such as time and energy. This means that the more precisely the energy of a particle is known, the less precisely its time can be known, and vice versa.

Why is Heisenberg's Principle important?

Heisenberg's Principle is important because it sets a fundamental limit on our ability to measure and understand the behavior of subatomic particles. It also challenges our traditional understanding of cause and effect, as the precise measurement of one variable can affect the measurement of another.

Does Heisenberg's Principle apply to macroscopic objects?

No, Heisenberg's Principle only applies to subatomic particles. This is because the effects of quantum mechanics are only observable at the microscopic level and do not apply to larger objects.

Can Heisenberg's Principle be violated or overcome?

No, Heisenberg's Principle is a fundamental law of quantum mechanics and cannot be violated or overcome. However, there are ways to minimize the uncertainty of one variable while sacrificing the precision of another, but the principle still holds true.

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