Does the uncertainty principle mean that an object has no absolute position, or that we just can't measure it?

Question

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Answer 1

This is a really good question. The uncertainty principle as originally formulated by Heisenberg, states that we cannot measure the absolute position (specifically, that we can't precisely measure both the position and velocity), so it refers to our ability to measure the position, not to the particle's actual position.

However, it is also appears that if you measure the particle's velocity to some degree of accuracy, the particle's actual position (not just our ability to measure it) becomes indeterminate. In a very real sense, the particle has no specific location, rather it exists, with some probability, across a range of possible locations. It isn't that we can't measure the location, but rather that the particle simultaneously occupies all locations within a region of space. While this second interpretation, that the particle's absolute position is undefined, is not exactly the definition of the uncertainty principle, we sometimes include it as part of the uncertainty principle.

This mess boggles the rational mind and we would happily reject the whole notion, were it not for the fact that one experiment after another adds further evidence that it is true.

If you want a really good explanation, check out the wikipedia article (link below).

Answer 2

The Uncertainty Principle itself only states that we cannot precisely measure both the position and the velocity of a particle at the same time. This is partially due to the fact that measuring on changes the other. Some Quantum physicists believe the particle does not have an absolute position of velocity, only a 'probability wave'. The Uncertainty Principle allows this possibility but does not require it.

Answer 3

You can either find the position or the momentum of the particle but not both. Once you find the position you disturb it.
Perhaps Einstein was right there are hidden variables, and as close as we can get to the end of the rainbow in quantum physics, the pot of gold is always one step ahead...Mabe electrons can be at two places at the same moment...Mabe they are so tiny they can go trough the fabrics of our space-time continum, entering other dimentions where these hidden variables lay.
Think about it. If we lived in a 2d space universe, we would have no idea what a 3d object is. Even if this 2d universe was cylender shaped, we would still live on the surface of the cylender, and be amazed at the fact that when we go straight ahead in certain precise directions we end up at square one .
So if an electron can move in two different directions at the same time (be in two places at once), in a way they have no absolute position in our 3d space universe.

Answer 4

In a certain sense a particle can be thought to posses a definite location, but push this assumption too far and you immediately run into problems. For example, in the two slit experiment where an electron is fired at a wall with two nearby openings, the assumption that the electron takes one route instead of the other is completely wrong:it takes both routes. So, in this sense, imagining that the electron does actually have a precise location in space is proved false.

Answer 5

It means neither of those things. Rather, the uncertainty principle says that you cannot simultaneously know both the precise position and precise momentum of a particle. The more precise your knowledge of the position is, the less precise your knowledge of the momentum is, and vice versa.

Contrary to popular belief, this uncertainty is NOT due to the disturbance of the particle by the measurement. It is a fundamental aspect of nature, and it is built into the mathematics that describes the motion and position of sub-atomic particles.

Answer 6

The problem with Heisenberg's principle is that they call it "uncertainty principle " which in reality he called it the Undterminancy principle. Even though its analyzed probablibalistically its really a problem of measurements. On that Note Einstein was right and they wrongly criticized him for his statement on that.

Even thought there are many reference points for measurements, we can only take one Zero reference point . and the is the absolute frame of reference we take our measruement from.that means eveen though every thing in the universe is non static ,we have to set the measuremnt point to zero and all values of measurements are taken from that point .

For example the speed of light =we take the distance traveled and clock the end point of travel as the period of time. The final velocity cannot be measured,only calculated.The reason is that we can only measure averages.Hence, what is in between the oscillation is a changing value ,so it cannot be instantaneously measured.
This is basically what Heisenbergs principle is simply all about.

Nothing to do with playing with dice at all. So I conclude that Einstein was RIGHT.

Answer 7

I think it has an absolute position it's just that the act of measuring it displaces the object. We are then left wondering exactly where it was before we displaced it .

Answer 8

Hi. Neither. It means that the act of measuring changes it.

Answer 9

uncertainity principle does not says that we can't measure position.
it says that either velocity or position ,only one of them can be measured accurately.
if velocity is accurate uncertainity in position is very large and vice versa

Answer 10

no it sates that it is impossible to determine both the position and momentum of a particle simultaneously.