indeterminacy principle
The scientist explains the indeterminacy principle using a diagram of an electron's position and momentum.
Noun: - A fundamental principle in quantum mechanics: The indeterminacy principle states that there is a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties of a particle, known as complementary variables, can be known simultaneously. The most famous pair is position and momentum.
The term is used in the context of physics, specifically quantum theory, to describe a core theoretical limit on measurement. - It is often introduced with the definite article: the indeterminacy principle. - It is synonymous with the uncertainty principle.
- Heisenberg indeterminacy principle: A more specific name, attributing the principle to physicist Werner Heisenberg.
- The Heisenberg indeterminacy principle is a cornerstone of modern physics.
- Uncertainty principle: The more common synonym for "indeterminacy principle." They are used interchangeably in physics.
- Principle of indeterminacy: A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Uncertainty principle: The standard synonym.
- Heisenberg uncertainty principle: The full, attributed name.
- Complementarity: A related philosophical and physical concept stating that objects have complementary properties which cannot be observed or measured simultaneously.
- Quantum mechanics: The branch of physics in which the indeterminacy principle is a foundational tenet.
- Wave-particle duality: A concept closely connected to the implications of the indeterminacy principle.
The scientist explains the indeterminacy principle using a diagram of an electron's position and momentum.
- (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time