An alternative statement of the uncertainly principle tells us that we cannot know precisely both
A)a particle's mass and energy.
B)whether a particle is a wave or whether it is truly a particle.
C)a particle's energy and the time during which it has this energy.
D)a particle's momentum and its energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The original Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that we cannot simultaneously know the precise position and momentum of a particle. However, an alternative statement of the uncertainty principle, known as the energy-time uncertainty principle, tells us that we cannot know precisely both a particle's energy and the time during which it has this energy. Therefore, the correct choice is C..choices A and D are incorrect because momentum and mass are related by the particle's velocity, allowing us to know both quantities with a certain level of precision. Choice B is incorrect because the uncertainty principle does not pertain to whether a particle is a wave or a particle; it pertains to our ability to simultaneously know certain pairs of physical quantities.

An Alternative Statement of the Uncertainly Principle Tells Us That