University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 39 - Particles Behaving as Waves - Problems - Discussion Questions - Page 1313: Q39.18

Answer

This is because of the Heisenberg Uncertainty principle for matter.

Work Step by Step

The Heisenberg Uncertainty principle for matter states that $\Delta t \Delta E \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}$. Laser light comes from a system that remains in a long-lived metastable state (larger $\Delta t$), so the uncertainty in its energy is very small (smaller $\Delta E$), i.e., it is more monochromatic than ordinary light.
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