Heisenberg uncertainty principle
Proper noun
Meaning
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
(physics, quantum mechanics) The principle that there is an absolute limit on the combined accuracy of certain pairs of simultaneous, related measurements, especially that of the position and momentum of a particle. Originally posited as a problem of measurement, it was soon refined as an inherent property of the universe.
Synonyms
Examples
However, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle tells us that it is not possible for all six of these quantities to be known simultaneously with arbitrary precision.
In quantum mechanics, the x-spin and z-spin are "incompatible observables", meaning the Heisenberg uncertainty principle applies to alternating measurements of them: a quantum state cannot possess a definite value for both of these variables.
In the quantum mechanics, due to the Heisenberg uncertainty principle ), the complete state of a subatomic particle, such as its location and velocity, cannot be simultaneously determined.
Other bugs may disappear when the program is run with a debugger; these are heisenbugs (humorously named after the Heisenberg uncertainty principle ).
The Heisenberg uncertainty principle is the statement of the inherent measurement uncertainty in quantum mechanics.
The peak is not infinitely narrow because of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle : spatially confined atoms have a minimum width velocity distribution.