Atomic StructurehardMCQ SINGLE

If the uncertainty in the position of an electron is exactly the same as the uncertainty in the posiAtomic Structure Chemistry Question

Question

If the uncertainty in the position of an electron is exactly the same as the uncertainty in the position of a Helium atom, and the uncertainty in momentum ($\Delta p$) for the electron is $32 \times 10^5 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$, what is the minimum uncertainty in momentum for the Helium atom?

Answer: B

💡 Solution & Explanation

The uncertainty principle $\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \ge \frac{h}{4\pi}$ implies that the product is a universal constant. If the uncertainty in position $\Delta x$ is exactly the same for both the electron and the Helium atom ($\Delta x_e = \Delta x_{He}$), then to satisfy the minimum limit, their uncertainties in momentum must also be identical. Thus, $\Delta p_{He} = \Delta p_e = 32 \times 10^5 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$.

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