August, 30, 2004 Edition
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Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle by Russell E. Reirson |
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(Reprinted with permission) A narrow wave packet means a small uncertainty in position of the corresponding particle/object, and a wide wave packet means a large uncertainty in position. That is to say, the wavelength of the waves in a wide wave packet is fairly well defined, and the momentum of the particle has a small uncertainty in momentum. The wavelength of a narrow wave packet is imprecise, and the uncertainty in momentum of the particle will be correspondingly large. If an micro-particle has a well defined position at a certain time, its momentum must have a large uncertainty. If a micro-particle has a well defined momentum at a certain time, its position must have a large uncertainty. Return to RB Duncan Press homepage © 2004 RB Duncan Press |