UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE Meaning and
Definition
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The uncertainty principle is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that states the inherent limitations in simultaneously knowing the precise values of certain pairs of physical properties or observables of a particle. It was formulated by German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1927 and is commonly understood as one of the cornerstones of quantum theory.
According to the uncertainty principle, it is impossible to accurately determine both the position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This principle arises due to the wave-particle duality of quantum objects, where particles possess both wave-like and particle-like properties. It states that the more precisely the position of a particle is measured, the less precisely its momentum can be known, and vice versa.
The uncertainty principle also applies to other pairs of observables, such as energy and time or angular momentum in different directions. It establishes a fundamental limit to the predictability and measurement of these complementary properties. Consequently, it implies that there are inherent uncertainties in the nature of quantum systems and introduces a probabilistic view of physical phenomena at the subatomic level.
In practical terms, the uncertainty principle has profound implications for the behavior of particles and the interpretation of quantum mechanics. It sets a boundary to the precision and accuracy achievable when making measurements on quantum objects and provides a deeper understanding of the inherent nature of uncertainty itself within the quantum realm.
Common Misspellings for UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
- yncertainty principle
- hncertainty principle
- jncertainty principle
- incertainty principle
- 8ncertainty principle
- 7ncertainty principle
- ubcertainty principle
- umcertainty principle
- ujcertainty principle
- uhcertainty principle
- unxertainty principle
- unvertainty principle
- unfertainty principle
- undertainty principle
- uncwrtainty principle
- uncsrtainty principle
- uncdrtainty principle
- uncrrtainty principle
- unc4rtainty principle
- unceertainty principle
Etymology of UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE
The etymology of the phrase uncertainty principle can be traced back to the German term Unschärferelation, which was coined by German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1927. Heisenberg introduced this term in his seminal work on quantum mechanics titled Über den anschaulichen Inhalt der quantentheoretischen Kinematik und Mechanik (The Physical Content of Quantum Kinematics and Mechanics). The uncertainty principle refers to a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that states that certain pairs of physical properties, such as position and momentum of a particle, cannot simultaneously be precisely determined with infinite accuracy. The phrase uncertainty principle became the widely accepted English translation for the German term Unschärferelation.
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