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Proof Mooted For Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

ananyo writes "Encapsulating the strangeness of quantum mechanics is a single mathematical expression. According to every undergraduate physics textbook, the uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and momentum of a subatomic particle — the more precisely one knows the particle's position at a given moment, the less precisely one can know the value of its momentum. But the original version of the principle, put forward by physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1927, couches quantum indeterminism in a different way — as a fundamental limit to how well a detector can measure quantum properties. Heisenberg offered no direct proof for this version of his principle. Now researchers say they have such a proof. (Pre-print available at the arXiv.) If they're right, it would put the measurement aspect of the uncertainty principle on solid ground — something that researchers had started to question — but it would also suggest that quantum-encrypted messages can be transmitted securely."

6 of 158 comments (clear)

  1. Yo Yo Mr. White,....... by AbRASiON · · Score: 5, Funny

    Don't fuck with Heisenberg folks.

  2. Re:That's nice by Z00L00K · · Score: 5, Funny

    Yet another proof of the principle.

    Now let's see what the cat has to say about it.

    --
    If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker would destroy civilization.
  3. I laughed... by Valentttine · · Score: 5, Funny

    Heisenberg was speeding down the highway. Cop pulled him over and says "Son, do you have any idea how fast you were going back there?" Heisenberg said, "No, but I knew where I was". The cop says "You were doing 100 miles an hour" to which Heisenberg replies "Great, now I'm lost".

    --
    Here today, gone tomorrow
  4. Re:I laughed... full version ;) by HxBro · · Score: 5, Funny

    Heisenberg and Schrodinger are driving, and get pulled over.

    Heisenberg is in the driver's seat, the officer asks "do you know how fast you were going?"

    Heisenberg replies, "No, but I know exactly where I am!"

    The officer looks at him confused and says "you were going 108 miles per hour!"

    Heisenberg throws his arms up and cries, "Great! Now I'm lost!"

    The officer, now more confused and frustrated orders the men outside of the car, and proceeds to inspect the vehicle. He opens the trunk and yells at the two men, "Hey! Did you guys know you have a dead cat back here?"

    Schrodinger angrily yells back, "We do now, asshole!"

  5. Re:That's nice by TWiTfan · · Score: 3, Funny

    I'm more confused than before

    Just look in this box. In it, you'll find either a better summary or a dead cat.

    --
    The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  6. Re: That's nice by Bengie · · Score: 4, Funny

    The more you know about the position of the cat, the less you know about its velocity. Ever try to measure the position of a cat that you just dropped into the bathtub? You know it has a high velocity, but it's hard to tell where it really is.