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: 5

Answer

No.

Work Step by Step

If the needle were balanced, the horizontal position of the center of mass would be exactly over the “very sharp” tip, and therefore known exactly. According to the uncertainty principle, the needle’s center of mass could not then have zero momentum, because there must be some uncertainty in its momentum. Therefore the needle would fall over.
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