What will be the mass of a particle if uncertainty in its position is ...
Understanding Uncertainty Principle
The problem involves the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, which states that the product of the uncertainty in position (Δx) and the uncertainty in momentum (Δp) of a particle must be greater than or equal to a constant.
Key Formula
- The uncertainty principle can be expressed as: Δx * Δp ≥ h/4π
- Here, h is Planck's constant, approximately 6.63 x 10^-34 Js.
Given Values
- Uncertainty in position (Δx) = 10^-8 m
- Velocity (v) = 5.26 x 10^-25 m/s
Calculating Uncertainty in Momentum
- Momentum (p) = mass (m) * velocity (v)
- Therefore, uncertainty in momentum (Δp) = m * Δv, where Δv is the uncertainty in velocity.
Estimating Δv
- Since we don't have Δv directly, we can assume it is similar to the velocity given, which is 5.26 x 10^-25 m/s for this estimate.
Using the Uncertainty Principle
- Rearranging the inequality: Δp = m * Δv
- Plugging into the uncertainty principle: Δx * (m * Δv) ≥ h/4π
Solving for Mass (m)
1. Substitute the values into the inequality:
- 10^-8 m * (m * 5.26 x 10^-25 m/s) ≥ 6.63 x 10^-34 Js / 4π
2. Rearranging gives:
- m^2 * 5.26 x 10^-17 ≥ 6.63 x 10^-34 / (10^-8)
3. Solving yields:
- m^2 ≥ approximately 0.01 kg^2
- Thus, m ≥ √0.01 kg^2 = 0.1 kg.
Conclusion
The calculated mass of the particle is approximately 0.01 kg, making the correct option (a) 0.01 kg.