Some Consequences of the Uncertainty Principle

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Quantum Mechanics A
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Schrödinger Equation
The most fundamental equation of quantum mechanics; given a Hamiltonian , it describes how a state evolves in time.
Basic Concepts and Theory of Motion
UV Catastrophe (Black-Body Radiation)
Photoelectric Effect
Stability of Matter
Double Slit Experiment
Stern-Gerlach Experiment
The Principle of Complementarity
The Correspondence Principle
The Philosophy of Quantum Theory
Brief Derivation of Schrödinger Equation
Relation Between the Wave Function and Probability Density
Stationary States
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Some Consequences of the Uncertainty Principle
Linear Vector Spaces and Operators
Commutation Relations and Simultaneous Eigenvalues
The Schrödinger Equation in Dirac Notation
Transformations of Operators and Symmetry
Time Evolution of Expectation Values and Ehrenfest's Theorem
One-Dimensional Bound States
Oscillation Theorem
The Dirac Delta Function Potential
Scattering States, Transmission and Reflection
Motion in a Periodic Potential
Summary of One-Dimensional Systems
Harmonic Oscillator Spectrum and Eigenstates
Analytical Method for Solving the Simple Harmonic Oscillator
Coherent States
Charged Particles in an Electromagnetic Field
WKB Approximation
The Heisenberg Picture: Equations of Motion for Operators
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Commutation Relations
Angular Momentum as a Generator of Rotations in 3D
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Feynman Path Integrals
The Free-Particle Propagator
Propagator for the Harmonic Oscillator
Differential Cross Section and the Green's Function Formulation of Scattering
Central Potential Scattering and Phase Shifts
Coulomb Potential Scattering

The uncertainty principle allows us to understand why it is possible for radiation, and matter, to have a dual (wave-particle) nature. If we try experimentally to determine whether radiation is a wave or a particle, for example, we find that an experiment that forces radiation to reveal its wave character strongly suppresses its particle character. If we modify the experiment to bring out the particle character, then its wave character is suppressed. We can never bring the wave and the particle view face to face in the same experimental situation. Radiation, and also matter, are like coins that can be made to display either face at will but not both simultaneously. This is the essence of Bohr's principle of complementarity; the idea of wave and of particle complement rather than contradict one another.

The uncertainty principle also makes it clear that the mechanics of quantum systems must necessarily be expressed in terms of probabilities. In classical mechanics, if at any instant we know exactly the position and momentum of each particle in an isolated system, then we can predict the exact behavior of the particle of the system for all future time. In quantum mechanics, however, the uncertainty principle shows us that it is impossible to do this for systems involving small distances and momenta because it is impossible to know, with the required accuracy, the instantaneous positions and momenta of the particles. As a result, we shall be able to make predictions only of the probable behavior of these particles.