Question

An electron in an atom has an uncertainty of 0.2 nm. If it is doubled to 0.4 nm by what factor does the uncertainty in momentum change?

Answer 1

The uncertainty in momentum changes by a factor of 1/2.

Step-by-step explanation:

By Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, ΔpΔx ≥ h/2π where Δp = uncertainty in momentum and Δx = uncertainty in position = 0.2 nm. The uncertainty in momentum is thus Δp ≥ h/2πΔx. If the uncertainty in position is doubled, that is Δx₁ = 2Δx = 0.4 nm, the uncertainty in momentum Δp₁ now becomes Δp₁ ≥ h/2πΔx₁ = h/2π(2Δx) = (h/2πΔx)/2 = Δp/2.

So, the uncertainty in momentum changes by a factor of 1/2.