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Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Its momentum becomes completely certain and predictable.
B
Its momentum becomes highly uncertain and difficult to measure.
C
Its momentum increases indefinitely.
D
Its momentum remains constant regardless of position.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
If a particle’s position is known exactly, the uncertainty in its position Δx is essentially zero. According to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Δx Δp ≥ ħ/2, so when Δx approaches zero the product forces Δp to become very large. This means the particle’s momentum is completely uncertain, spanning an infinite range of possible values. For example, if you pinpoint a particle’s location to a single point on a screen, its momentum could be anything from negative to positive infinity, making it impossible to predict its motion. Thus, knowing a particle’s position precisely destroys any useful knowledge of its momentum.
Detailed Explanation
Knowing a particle's location very well means the rule that links position and momentum says the momentum values become spread out. Other options are incorrect because The idea that a precise position gives a definite momentum is a common mistake; The belief that a precise location makes the momentum grow infinitely is wrong.
Key Concepts
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Momentum and Position Measurement
Quantum Mechanics Fundamentals
Topic
Energy and Uncertainty in Quantum Mechanics
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
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Question 1If a quantum particle is observed to have a definite position, what is the underlying cause according to quantum state dynamics?
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Question 2If a quantum particle is observed to have a definite position, what is the underlying cause according to quantum state dynamics?
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Question 3If a particle's position is precisely known, what is the most direct consequence on its momentum according to quantum mechanics?
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