Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 28 - Quantum Mechanics of Atoms - Questions - Page 825: 4

Answer

The mass of a baseball is so large that the uncertainty principle barely matters, while the mass of an electron is incredibly small.

Work Step by Step

The uncertainty principle is defined as $\Delta p \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}$, or $\Delta v \Delta x \geq \frac{\hbar}{2m}$, if $p$ is replaced by $m\Delta v$. This equation shows that as mass increases, the precision increases. So, for a small object like an electron, there is a high amount of uncertainty, but there isn't much uncertainty for a large object, such as a baseball.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.