064
Uncertainty
Narrow the place and the momentum spreads. The product of the two never falls below ħ/2.
Field
Detail
Study
064
Chapter
Quantum basics
Equation
Δx Δp ≥ ħ/2
What moves
the range of momenta; the width of the packet
Structure
Film
Colour means
blue, the momentum components; white, their sum; cyan, position; violet, momentum
Posted
One light appears in the dark, then many. Each dot is one result from the same prepared state, and together they form a cloud.
A single momentum component is a wave with no definite position. Blue lines are momentum components, set in depth by their momentum; the white line is their sum. A narrow range of momenta leaves a broad packet, and a wider range makes it narrower.
Particles prepared in the same state are measured once each, for position or for momentum, and two hills fill with results. Pin one down and the other spreads. The product of the two spreads never falls below ħ/2, and a better instrument does not change it.