The energy of an electron state has an uncertainty of about 0.500 eV. What is the uncertainty in the lifetime of the level? A)1.32 × 10^-¹⁵ s B)8.28 × 10^-¹⁵ s C)1.32 × 10^-¹¹ s D)8.28 × 10^-¹¹ s E)1.32 × 10^-⁸ s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The uncertainty in energy (ΔE) and the uncertainty in time (Δt) are related by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle: ΔE * Δt ≈ ħ/2. Given ΔE = 0.500 eV, we can calculate Δt using ħ ≈ 6.582 × 10^-16 eV·s, resulting in Δt ≈ 1.32 × 10^-15 s.

The Energy of an Electron State Has an Uncertainty of About