The uncertainty in the position of a proton is 0.053 nm. What is the uncertainty in its speed?
A) 2.2 m/s
B) 0.98 km/s
C) 0.60 km/s
D) 1.2 km/s
E) 37. m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, Δx * Δp ≥ ħ/2, where Δx is the uncertainty in position and Δp is the uncertainty in momentum. For a proton, Δp = m * Δv, where m is the mass of the proton. Solving for Δv gives approximately 1.2 km/s.

The Uncertainty in the Position of a Proton Is 0