If the uncertainty in the position of an electron is exactly the same as the uncertainty in the posi — Atomic 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?
💡 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, $\Delta p_{He} = \Delta p_e = 32 \times 10^5 \text{ kg ms}^{-1}$.