Examples of Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

One of the pillars of quantum physics is Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, although those who have not extensively studied it frequently do not have a thorough understanding of it. Even while it, as its name suggests, defines a certain degree of uncertainty at the most basic levels of nature itself, that uncertainty appears in a very confined fashion, thus it has no impact on our day-to-day activities. Only well-designed tests can demonstrate how this theory operates.

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

According to the uncertainty principle, it is impossible to determine a particle’s exact position (x) and momentum (p) with any degree of accuracy. One of these values is known to us more precisely than the other, and vice versa.

Assuming that h is the Planck’s Constant, the product of uncertainty in the location (∆x) and the uncertainty in the momentum (∆p) is always constant and equal to or larger than h/4.

∆x × ∆p = h/4π

Electromagnetic Radiations

It is possible to define electromagnetic radiation as a type of energy that is created by electrically charged particles moving through matter or a vacuum, as well as by oscillating the magnetic disturbance and electric disturbance. The combined waves move normal to both the electric as well as magnetic oscillating fields that are causing the disturbance, which is caused by the magnetic and electric fields coming together at a 90° angle.

Electromagnetic Radiations Properties

Electron radiations are emitted as photons when electromagnetic radiation occurs. These are quantized harmonic waves or bundles of light energy that move at the speed of light. The energy is then divided into many groups according to the electromagnetic spectrum’s wavelength. These magnetic and electric waves have certain properties, such as wavelength, amplitude, and frequency, and they move perpendicular to one another. The points listed below provide a list of some of the fundamental characteristics of electromagnetic radiation.

1. Speed of light is always constant which is equal to 2.99792458 × 10⁸ m/s.

2. They are capable of moving across spaces which are empty. Other than electromagnetic waves, waves must pass through a material. For instance, a solid, liquid, or gas is required for sound waves to travel through.

3. Wavelength is frequently represented by the symbol . It is a measurement of the separation between crests or troughs.

Collision

When two or more bodies come into contact with one another, a powerful force is applied for a very brief period of time. A collision is a singular occurrence. As a result of the collision, the participating particles’ energy and momentum change. The bodies engaged in the collision may actually make physical contact with one another, as in the case of a collision between two pool balls or a ball and a bat. There may be collisions in which there is no any actual physical contact, such as when an alpha particle collides with a nucleus.

There are three types of collision on the basis of conservation of energy which are as follows:

1. Perfectly elastic collision

2. Inelastic collision

3. Perfectly inelastic collision

Conservation of Momentum During a Collision

During the brief time that the collision lasts, the average impulsive force that causes the collision is far greater than the external force exerted on the system. As a result, when two objects collide, extrinsic forces like gravitational or frictional forces are not taken into account. Given that this impulsive impulse is internal in nature, the system’s overall momentum remains constant for all intents and purposes. It continues to be conserved as a result throughout the system.

Conservation of Energy During a Collision

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, according to the law of energy conservation. Only one medium may transmit it; not another. As a result, during a collision, the complete amount of energy is always conserved. Total energy is the sum of all possible types of energy that can be produced or destroyed in a collision, including mechanical, internal, excitation, and mass energy.

Conclusion

The position and momentum of an object cannot be exactly measured or calculated, according to Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. This idea is based on the wave-particle duality of matter.

A collision is a brief interaction between 2 bodies or more than 2 bodies at once that modifies the motion of the bodies involved as a result of internal forces acting between them.

There are three types of collision which are as follows:

1. Perfectly elastic collision

2. Inelastic collision

3. Perfectly inelastic collision

An electric disturbance and magnetic disturbance known as electromagnetic radiation moves through space at the speed of light. It moves in the form of photons, or quanta, which are radiant energy packets that lack both mass and charge.