📚 Learning Guide
Energy and Uncertainty in Quantum Mechanics
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In quantum mechanics, the uncertainty principle indicates that the more accurately we know a particle's position, the less accurately we can know its momentum. Which of the following statements best describes this relationship in terms of probabilities?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Higher uncertainty in position leads to lower probabilities for momentum measurement.

B

Lower precision in position measurement increases the probability spread in momentum.

C

Accurate position measurement does not affect momentum probabilities.

D

Momentum and position probabilities are independent of each other.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

The uncertainty principle means that if a particle’s position is described by a narrow probability distribution, its momentum distribution must be broad, and vice versa. This trade‑off is expressed mathematically by the product of the standard deviations of position and momentum being at least ħ/2, so a small Δx forces a large Δp. In practical terms, if we measure the particle’s position very precisely, the probability of finding a specific momentum becomes very spread out, making momentum hard to predict. For example, a particle confined to a 1‑meter box has a very sharp position probability but its momentum probability is spread over many values, reflecting the large uncertainty in momentum.

Detailed Explanation

When we make the position of a particle less precise, the possible momentum values spread out over a wider range. Other options are incorrect because Higher position uncertainty does not reduce the chances of measuring momentum; instead it makes the momentum values more spread out, not less probable; Knowing the position very accurately does change the momentum probabilities; the momentum spread grows.

Key Concepts

probabilities in quantum mechanics
Topic

Energy and Uncertainty in Quantum Mechanics

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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