Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
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Explore TopicChoose 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
Let's break down why this is correct
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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