The uncertainties in the velocities of two particles, A and B, are determined to be and respectively — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

According to Heisenberg's principle, $\Delta x \ge \frac{h}{4\pi m \Delta v}$, so for a minimum limit, $\Delta x \propto \frac{1}{m \Delta v}$. The ratio is $\frac{\Delta x_A}{\Delta x_B} = \frac{m_B \Delta v_B}{m_A \Delta v_A}$. Given $m_B = 5m_A$, substituting the values gives $\frac{5m_A \times 0.02}{m_A \times 0.05} = \frac{0.10}{0.05} = 2$.