We can't know the velocity and position of a particle accurately ?

In summary, the author is discussing a thought experiment in which two photons are sent opposite to each other with the same energy. If something is in their path, there is no change in their position. If something is in their path, the photons will annihilate each other.
  • #1
The_Thinker
146
2
i was wondering, if we can arrange this kind of experiment... What we do is this, we send photons (or whatever u choose) directly opposite to each other of which the energy is exactly the same such that if there is nothing is in their path the would anihialate each other.

Now, if something was in their path although... the following would happen...

We have two photons let's name them 1 and 2. Now, we know where the atom is so we position both the phtons equidistant from each other. Photon 1 and 2 hits the electron at the same time and therefore there is no change in the position of the particle.

Even if there is as in if 1 hits first and then 2 although we might have displaced it we know its present position now thanks to diffrence in wavelength of the photons.

And with another pair we can set it back to its original place. So in essence there should be no change in their position and we should be able to calculate the velocity in the same way, right...?
 
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  • #2
"we know where the atom is"
"we position both the phtons equidistant from each other"
"Photon 1 and 2 hits the electron at the same time"

Think about all these assumptions in your thought experiment:)
 
  • #3
good point :)

but how abt this, i changed it...

i was wondering, if we can arrange this kind of experiment... What we do is this, we
send photons (or whatever u choose) directly opposite to each other of which the energy is exactly the same such that if there is nothing is in their path the would anihialate each other.

Now, if something was in their path although... the following would happen...

We have two photons let's name them 1 and 2. Now, we send these little critters oppsoing to each other. Photon 1 and 2 hits the electron one at one time and the other a few milli or whatever seconds later. Now whatever extra energy is brought abt by 1, it will be canceled by 2 and now we know the new position which we can calculate by knowing the diffrence in wavelength between 1 and 2 and we can also calculate it's velocity at the same time, kind of like the way we calculate the velocity of bloodflow...

And with another pair of our guys we can set the particle back to its original place. So in essence there should be no change in their position and we should be able to calculate the velocity in the same way, right...?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
The_Thinker said:
What we do is this, we
send photons (or whatever u choose) directly opposite to each other of which the energy is exactly the same

Yer still doing it ;)

Remember that Heisenberg's uncertainty applies to time and energy as well.
 
  • #5
i always thought that we knew the exact energy of the particles we willingly send out for experimentation.

So do i take it that u are telling me that we don't know the exact energy of the particles of that we send out?...

oh well it was worth a shot...

thx... :)
 

FAQ: We can't know the velocity and position of a particle accurately ?

What is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?

The Heisenberg 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 particle at the same time. This is due to the inherent limitations of measuring these properties of a particle without disturbing its state.

Why is it impossible to know the exact position and velocity of a particle?

This is because the act of measuring one property of a particle (such as position) will inevitably change the other property (such as velocity). This is known as the observer effect and is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics.

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

The uncertainty principle challenges our traditional understanding of the physical world, as it suggests that the behavior of particles at the quantum level is inherently unpredictable. It also raises questions about the nature of reality and the role of observation in shaping it.

Can the uncertainty principle be overcome or improved upon?

While the uncertainty principle is a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics, there are ways in which scientists can minimize its effects. For example, by using advanced techniques and technology, researchers can reduce the amount of disturbance caused by measurements, allowing for more accurate observations of particles.

What are the practical applications of the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle has many practical applications, particularly in fields such as quantum computing, where the unpredictability of particles can be harnessed to perform complex calculations. It also has implications for fields such as cryptography and communication, where the randomness of particles can be used for secure data transmission.

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