36,800
edits
Uncertainty Principle: Difference between revisions
no edit summary
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The [[Uncertainty Principle]] is inherent in the properties of all wave-like systems, and that it arises in quantum mechanics simply due to the matter wave nature of all quantum objects. Thus, the uncertainty principle actually states a fundamental property of quantum systems, and is not a statement about the observational success of current technology. It must be emphasized that measurement does not mean only a process in which a physicist-observer takes part, but rather any interaction between classical and quantum objects regardless of any observer. | The [[Uncertainty Principle]] is inherent in the properties of all wave-like systems, and that it arises in quantum mechanics simply due to the matter wave nature of all quantum objects. Thus, the uncertainty principle actually states a fundamental property of quantum systems, and is not a statement about the observational success of current technology. It must be emphasized that measurement does not mean only a process in which a physicist-observer takes part, but rather any interaction between classical and quantum objects regardless of any observer.This is not a statement about the inaccuracy of measurement instruments, nor a reflection on the quality of experimental methods; it arises from the wave properties inherent in the quantum mechanical description of nature. Even with perfect instruments and technique, the uncertainty is inherent in the nature of things. | ||
In quantum mechanics, the [[Uncertainty Principle]], also known as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in this instant, and vice versa. This is a succinct statement of the "uncertainty relation" between the position and the momentum (mass times velocity) of a subatomic particle, such as an electron. This relation has profound implications for such fundamental notions as causality and the determination of the future behavior of an atomic particle. <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty_principle Uncertainty Principle]</ref> | In quantum mechanics, the [[Uncertainty Principle]], also known as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the more precisely the position is determined, the less precisely the momentum is known in this instant, and vice versa. This is a succinct statement of the "uncertainty relation" between the position and the momentum (mass times velocity) of a subatomic particle, such as an electron. This relation has profound implications for such fundamental notions as causality and the determination of the future behavior of an atomic particle. <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uncertainty_principle Uncertainty Principle]</ref> | ||
Essentially, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is relative to the act of observation that collapses a wave potentiality that makes a situation, event or object become physical. When we observe [[EMF]] wave-forms we change the physical environment and how that is expressed in tangible ways. | Essentially, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is relative to the act of observation that collapses a wave potentiality that makes a situation, event or object become physical. When we observe [[EMF]] wave-forms we change the physical environment and how that is expressed in tangible ways. | ||
Important steps on the way to understanding the uncertainty principle are wave-particle duality and the DeBroglie hypothesis. As you proceed downward in size to atomic dimensions, it is no longer valid to consider a particle like a hard sphere, '''because the smaller the dimension, the more wave-like it becomes.''' It no longer makes sense to say that you have precisely determined both the position and momentum of such a particle. When you say that the electron acts as a wave, then the wave is the quantum mechanical wavefunction and it is therefore related to the probability of finding the electron at any point in space. A perfect sinewave for the electron wave spreads that probability throughout all of space, and the "position" of the electron is completely uncertain. | |||
==Observer Effect== | ==Observer Effect== | ||
In science, the term observer effect refers to changes that the act of observation will make on a phenomenon being observed. This is often the result of instruments that, by necessity, alter the state of what they measure in some manner. A commonplace example is checking the pressure in an automobile tire; this is difficult to do without letting out some of the air, thus changing the pressure. This effect can be observed in many domains of physics. The observer effect on a physical process can often be reduced to insignificance by using better instruments or observation techniques.Historically, the observer effect has been confused with the uncertainty principle.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_(physics) Observer Effect]</ref> | In science, the term observer effect refers to changes that the act of observation will make on a phenomenon being observed. This is often the result of instruments that, by necessity, alter the state of what they measure in some manner. A commonplace example is checking the pressure in an automobile tire; this is difficult to do without letting out some of the air, thus changing the pressure. This effect can be observed in many domains of physics. The observer effect on a physical process can often be reduced to insignificance by using better instruments or observation techniques.Historically, the observer effect has been confused with the uncertainty principle.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_(physics) Observer Effect]</ref> | ||