Uncertainty principle and an electron

In summary, the conversation discusses using the uncertainty principle to show that an electron confined inside an atomic nucleus with a diameter of 2 x 10^-15m would have to be moving relativistically, specifically at a speed greater than 0.1c. The approach taken was to set \Delta x to the given diameter and solve for \Delta p. However, it was not clear how to solve for the speed and other methods were suggested, such as comparing \gamma to 1 or using the inequality \frac{\gamma v}{c} < 1. Ultimately, it was determined that for a relativistic speed, v must be greater than c and therefore \gamma must be greater than 1.
  • #1
thenewbosco
187
0
question is:
use the uncertainty principle to show that if an electron were confined inside and atomic nucleus, diameter of [tex]2 x 10^{-15}m[/tex], it would have to be moving relativistically i.e. more than 0.1c.
what i have done is the following:
[tex] \Delta x \Delta p = \frac{\hbar}{2}[/tex]
then i set [tex]\Delta x = 2 x 10^{-15}[/tex] and solved for [tex]\Delta p[/tex]

from this i don't know how to solve for the speed, i considered replacing [tex]\Delta p[/tex] with [tex]\gamma m\Delta v[/tex] but this doesn't seem to work with the gamma in there.
what is a better way to solve this?
thanks
 
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  • #2
Must you actually solve for the speed? [it can be done, since you can write [tex]\gamma[/tex] in terms of v... but do you need to?]
While v>0.1c may characterize "relativistic", is there another way?
 
  • #3
this was the hint that was given, that relativistic speeds were > 0.1c, but if you could give me a hint on comparing something else it would be appreciated.
 
  • #4
What is the corresponding inequality for [tex]\gamma[/tex]?
 
  • #5
i don't know of anything similar, but gamma will be less than or equal to 1. is this close to the right track?
 
  • #6
Find [itex] \frac{\gamma v}{c}[/itex] (= [itex]\frac{\Delta p}{mc}[/itex])

Squre both sides and solve for v/c.
 
  • #7
gamma will be less than or equal to 1.

v < c
Therefore, gamma > 1
 
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FAQ: Uncertainty principle and an electron

What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle, also known as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, states that it is impossible to know the exact position and momentum of a particle (such as an electron) at the same time. This is due to the inherent uncertainty and indeterminacy of quantum mechanics.

How does the uncertainty principle relate to electrons?

The uncertainty principle applies to all particles, including electrons. It means that we cannot simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of an electron. This uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of the behavior of electrons in the quantum world.

How does the uncertainty principle affect measurements of electrons?

The uncertainty principle affects measurements of electrons by limiting the accuracy with which we can measure their position and momentum. The more precisely we try to measure one of these properties, the less precisely we can know the other.

Can the uncertainty principle be overcome or avoided?

No, the uncertainty principle is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics and cannot be overcome or avoided. It is a natural property of particles at the quantum level and is essential to our understanding of the behavior of electrons and other particles.

How does the uncertainty principle impact our understanding of the physical world?

The uncertainty principle challenges our classical understanding of the physical world. It shows that at the quantum level, particles do not behave in the same predictable way as larger objects in our everyday world. This principle has led to significant developments in quantum physics and has greatly expanded our understanding of the universe.

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