indeterminacy principle

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Indeterminacy Principle

Definition: The "indeterminacy principle" is a concept from quantum theory that states it is impossible to measure certain pairs of properties of a particle, like energy and time or position and momentum, with complete accuracy at the same time. This means that the more accurately you know one property, the less accurately you can know the other.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, the indeterminacy principle is often referred to as the "Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle," named after the physicist Werner Heisenberg. It plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of particles at the quantum level.

Word Variants:

• Indeterminate (adjective): Not exactly known, established, or defined.
  • Example: "The outcome of the experiment was indeterminate."
• Indeterminacy (noun): The quality of being indeterminate or not precisely defined.
  • Example: "The indeterminacy of the results made it difficult to draw conclusions."

Different Meanings:

In a broader sense, "indeterminacy" can refer to situations in life where outcomes are uncertain or unpredictable, not just in scientific contexts.

Synonyms:

• Uncertainty
• Vagueness
• Ambiguity

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "indeterminacy principle," you might encounter phrases that express uncertainty, such as: - "In limbo" (in a state of uncertainty) - "On shaky ground" (in a situation that is uncertain or unstable)

Summary:

The indeterminacy principle is a fundamental idea in quantum physics that highlights the limits of what we can know about the properties of particles.

Academic

Noun

1. (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time

Synonyms

• uncertainty principle