Heisenberg's uncertainty principle formula

[OneManShow]

According to TBR, the principle says it is not possible simultaneously to identify a particle's position and velocity. You can know either where something is, or how fast it is going, but not both at the same time.

and the formula is:
(x*mv) greater than or equal to (h/4pi)

I understand the text but can someone explain me the formula?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[indianjatt]

it's (delta x) (mdelta v) = h/4pi.

delta x is the uncertainty in position, m is the mass of the object, delta v is the uncertainty in the velocity or speed, and h is planck's constant (6.626 x 10^ -34 Js)

you'll probably be given information on everything but one of the variables and will be asked to solve for it.

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

it's (delta x) (mdelta v) = h/4pi.

delta x is the uncertainty in position, m is the mass of the object, delta v is the uncertainty in the velocity or speed, and h is planck's constant (6.626 x 10^ -34 Js)

you'll probably be given information on everything but one of the variables and will be asked to solve for it.

Exactly! As (delta)x goes down, (delta)mv must go up, because the product of the two has a minimum value. So you can't have a small (delta)x and (delta)mv at the same time. This means that you can't precisely know both terms simultaneously.