Uncertainty
QUESTION:
The speed of bullet with a mass = 0.050 kg and speed = 420 m/s. Uncertainty = 0.010%..
What is the minimum uncertainty in the bullet's position if is measured at the same time as
the speed is measured?
Choices to pick from:
(a) 2.5 x 10
-31 m
(b) 5.0 x 10
-32 m
(c) 7.5 x 10
-33 m
(d) 2.5 x 10
-34 m
(e) 6.0 x 10
-36 m
Answer
The uncertainty in momentum is 0.01% of 0.05x420 = 21x0.01/100 =
0.0021
The uncertainty in position = Planck's constant/[2
p x Uncertainty in momentum]
=
6.63x10
-34/[6.28 x0.0021] = 5.02x10
–32 m
The answer is
(b).