Suppose we determine the position of an electron to within 10 nanometers (10 ×10 -9 m). What will be the best possible measurement of its momentum?
Suppose you are able to determine the speed of a 100 kg pole vaulter to within 0.04 m/s. Within what accuracy would you be able to determine her position?
Based on your answer above, do you think that we need to worry about the Uncertainty Principle in measurements that we make in our everyday lives? Explain your answer.
Nanotechnology is the science of building tiny machines by constructing them atom-by-atom. This construction concept is rapidly generating interest among scientists and engineers. Claims and promises are being made that this technology will revolutionize our lives. However, we need to think about what happens when the "machines" become extremely small. Perhaps the Uncertainty Principle will make nanotechnology difficult or even impossible to use.
Explain why nanotechnologists may need to worry about the limits imposed by the Uncertainty Principle.