Math Problem Statement

The position of an electron in an atom is measured with an accuracy of 0.02 nm, then, what is the uncertainty in electron velocity ? (Give the answer in km/s)

Solution

To find the uncertainty in the electron's velocity, we can use Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. The principle states that the uncertainty in position (Δx\Delta x) and the uncertainty in momentum (Δp\Delta p) are related by the inequality:

ΔxΔph4π\Delta x \Delta p \geq \frac{h}{4\pi}

where hh is Planck's constant (h=6.626×1034h = 6.626 \times 10^{-34} Js).

The momentum pp is given by p=mvp = mv, where mm is the mass of the electron and vv is its velocity. The uncertainty in momentum (Δp\Delta p) can be expressed as:

Δp=mΔv\Delta p = m \Delta v

where Δv\Delta v is the uncertainty in velocity. Thus, the uncertainty in velocity is given by:

Δv=Δpm\Delta v = \frac{\Delta p}{m}

Now, rearranging the uncertainty principle for velocity:

Δv=h4πmΔx\Delta v = \frac{h}{4\pi m \Delta x}

We have:

  • Δx=0.02\Delta x = 0.02 nm =0.02×109= 0.02 \times 10^{-9} m
  • m=9.109×1031m = 9.109 \times 10^{-31} kg (mass of an electron)

Substitute the values:

Δv=6.626×10344π(9.109×1031)(0.02×109)\Delta v = \frac{6.626 \times 10^{-34}}{4\pi (9.109 \times 10^{-31})(0.02 \times 10^{-9})}

Let's calculate Δv\Delta v.The uncertainty in the electron's velocity is approximately 2894.282894.28 km/s.

Do you have any further questions or need additional details? Here are some related questions:

  1. What is Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle?
  2. How is the mass of an electron determined?
  3. Can the uncertainty in position be reduced to zero?
  4. What are the implications of the Uncertainty Principle in quantum mechanics?
  5. How does the Uncertainty Principle affect atomic and subatomic particles?
  6. What is the significance of Planck's constant?
  7. How is the uncertainty in momentum related to the uncertainty in velocity?
  8. How does the Uncertainty Principle relate to measurement precision in physics?

Tip: The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics, highlighting the limitations of measuring certain pairs of physical properties simultaneously.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quantum Mechanics
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

Formulas

Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: Δx * Δp >= h / (4π)

Theorems

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

Suitable Grade Level

College