Is this the HUP or diffraction?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between diffraction and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). The video demonstrates the concept of diffraction, which is a clear example of the HUP in action. The conversation also considers whether diffraction and the HUP are just different models for the same thing, and what scenarios would require the use of the HUP over wave equations.
  • #1
mrspeedybob
869
65
Consider the following video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0FGo8mi-5w4

Am I really seeing a demonstration of the HUP or am I just seeing diffraction?

In this instance, is it just different models with different terminology describing the same thing? If so, what scenario would require the HUP? What can you not model with wave equations that can be modeled with the HUP?
 
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  • #2
mrspeedybob said:
Consider the following video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0FGo8mi-5w4

Am I really seeing a demonstration of the HUP or am I just seeing diffraction?

In this instance, is it just different models with different terminology describing the same thing? If so, what scenario would require the HUP? What can you not model with wave equations that can be modeled with the HUP?

The diffraction that you see is a clear example of the HUP at work! See this:

https://www.physicsforums.com/blog.php?b=4364

Zz.
 
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Related to Is this the HUP or diffraction?

1. What is the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP)?

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that it is impossible to know with certainty both the position and momentum of a particle at the same time.

2. How does the HUP relate to diffraction?

The HUP and diffraction are both concepts in quantum mechanics that deal with the behavior of particles on a microscopic level. While the HUP deals with the uncertainty of a particle's position and momentum, diffraction refers to the phenomenon in which a wave is spread out as it passes through an opening or around an obstacle.

3. Can the HUP and diffraction be observed in everyday life?

Yes, the HUP and diffraction can be observed in everyday life. For example, the HUP is responsible for the blurriness of images when taking a photograph of a moving object. Diffraction can also be observed in the patterns created by a laser passing through a small opening.

4. What is the mathematical equation for the HUP?

The mathematical equation for the HUP is Δx * Δp ≥ h/4π, where Δx is the uncertainty in position, Δp is the uncertainty in momentum, and h is the Planck constant.

5. How does the HUP impact our understanding of the physical world?

The HUP has had a significant impact on our understanding of the physical world, particularly in the field of quantum mechanics. It has fundamentally changed our understanding of the behavior of particles and has led to the development of new technologies, such as quantum computing, that rely on the principles of the HUP.

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