Who Coined the Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle?
This principle was proposed by German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1927. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle challenges the correctness of calculation of momentum and position at the same time and places restrictions on the same. The more accurate the position calculation is, the less precise the measurement of momentum will be. The same applies if the situation was the other way around. That is, the more accurate momentum measurement is, the less precise the calculation of position will be. Physically, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is related to the quantum system.
State Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle claims it to be nearly impossible to measure the momentum and position at the same time of a particular object. This is largely attributed to the dual nature of matter. Although Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle holds value in the quantum world even though it could be ignored when it comes to other matters. Since atoms and subatomic particles have small masses, an increase in their positions is followed by an increase in the uncertainty related to their velocities.
Explain Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle says when particles exhibit wave and particle nature, it is impossible to accurately calculate their velocity and position simultaneously. While developing an instinctive model design of quantum physics he observed some factors that were fundamental and restricted the actions that find out some quantities. This sheds light on the fact that it is not possible to calculate the velocity and position of microscopic matter waves at the same time as that will be an integral multiple of a constant and it will prove to be erratic.
An electron has a mass of 9.1 × 10-31kg which is invisible to naked eyes. When light collides with the electron and illuminates it, it helps identify and measure its position but increases its momentum and causes it to shift away from its position.
Thus when the position is found, the momentum or velocity changes and when the velocity is calculated, the electron position is changed.
Formula
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle formula is showcased below. Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle is considered a precise mathematical statement which describes the basic nature of quantum systems. Let’s consider two common Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle equations here.
First Equation: ∆X ⋅ ∆p ~ ħ
Second Equation: ∆E ⋅ ∆t ~ ħ
Here,
∆p = uncertainty in momentum
ħ = value of the Planck’s constant / 2*π
∆t = uncertainty in time measurement
∆X = uncertainty in the position
∆E = uncertainty in the energy
The Heisenberg principle is applicable to every dual-natured particle that has a very small wavelength.