"Heisenberg considered the observation through a microscope of an electron struck by light of an appropriate frequency. The position of the electron could be determined more precisely by increasing the frequency of the light, but the higher the frequency, the larger the jolt to the electron, and, hence, the greater the indeterminacy in the measurement of the electron's velocity. Conversely, the velocity could be determined more precisely by using light of a lower frequency, but the lower the frequency, the greater the indeterminacy in the measurement of the position. On the basis of these considerations, Heisenbery boldly affirmed the acausality of quantum mechanics: For to predict the future, you had to know everything about the present, and according to quantum mechanics, Heisenberg asserted, "We cannot, as a matter of principle, know the present in all its details.""
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
, The Physicists: The History of a Scientific Community in Modern America (1971) p. 166. Ref: Heisenberg quote, see also, Physics and Beyond (1971) pp. 72-78, Tr. Arnold J. Pomerans.
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Uncertainty_principle
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Uncertainty principle
16 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Uncertainty principle →
Related Quotes
"If quantum mechanics is right, there is no way to get around the uncertainty principle. The reason that the electron’…"
"At the heart of the quantum revolution is Heisenberg's uncertainty principle... roughly... all physical quantities...…"
"The uncertainty has deep implications. For example, it means that a quantum particle does not move along a well-defin…"
"Relativity principles require us to associate mass with the energy of radiation, and it is reasonable to suppose... a…"
"Suppose... motion of an electron in the absence of a field of force, is to be investigated... by testing the validity…"
"Une loi de Physique possède une certitude beaucoup moins immédiate et beaucoup plus difficile à apprécier qu'une loi …"
"In September 1973, while I was visiting Moscow, I discussed s with two leading Soviet experts, Yakov Zeldovich and Al…"
"[T]he laws of physics need not break down at the origin of the universe. The state of the universe and its contents, …"
"Ultimately... one would hope to find a complete, consistent, unified theory that would include all... partial theorie…"
"It must have been one evening after midnight when I suddenly remembered my conversation with Einstein and particularl…"