Can we measure both the position and momentum of a particle with complete precision?

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, we cannot measure both the position and momentum of a particle with complete precision due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics. This principle states that the product of the uncertainties in position (\(\Delta x\)) and momentum (\(\Delta p\)) is always greater than or equal to a specific constant value: \[ \Delta x \Delta p \geq \dfrac{\hbar}{2} \] Here, \(\hbar\) represents the reduced Planck constant. Consequently, as the precision of one property increases, the precision of the other property decreases. This is a fundamental property of nature and not a limitation of our measuring techniques.

Step by step solution

01

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that places a limit on the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties (in this case, position and momentum) can be simultaneously measured. Mathematically, the principle states that the product of the uncertainties in position (\(\Delta x\)) and momentum (\(\Delta p\)) is always greater than or equal to a particular constant value, as per the following inequality: \[ \Delta x \Delta p \geq \dfrac{\hbar}{2} \] Here, \(\hbar\) is the reduced Planck constant, which is approximately \(1.0545718 × 10^{-34} \, \text{J} \cdot \text{s}\).
02

Can We Measure Both Position and Momentum with Complete Precision?

According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, it is fundamentally impossible to measure both the position and momentum of a particle with complete precision. As the uncertainty in position decreases (\(\Delta x \rightarrow 0\)), the uncertainty in momentum must increase (\(\Delta p \rightarrow \infty\)), in order to satisfy the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle inequality. Similarly, if we try to measure momentum with extreme precision, the position becomes highly uncertain. This is not a limitation of our measuring techniques, but a fundamental property of nature. In conclusion, due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics, we cannot measure both the position and momentum of a particle with complete precision. The very act of measuring one of these properties with higher precision introduces greater uncertainty in the other.

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