What happens to a particle's wave packet when a highly accurate position measurement is performed?
A) It makes a gradual transition to a state of greater uncertainty in position but smaller uncertainty in velocity.
B) It suddenly makes a transition into a state of smaller uncertainty in position and greater uncertainty in velocity.
C) It suddenly makes a transition into a state of greater uncertainty in position but smaller uncertainty in velocity.
D) It suddenly makes a transition into a state of smaller uncertainty in position, with no change in its uncertainty in velocity.
E) It makes a gradual transition to a state of smaller uncertainty in position and greater uncertainty in velocity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, a highly accurate position measurement reduces the uncertainty in position, which increases the uncertainty in velocity (or momentum).

What Happens to a Particle's Wave Packet When a Highly