uncertainty principle
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uncertainty principle — n. in quantum mechanics, the principle that it is impossible to measure simultaneously and exactly two related quantities, as both the position and the momentum of an electron … English World dictionary
Uncertainty principle — In quantum physics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that locating a particle in a small region of space makes the momentum of the particle uncertain; and conversely, that measuring the momentum of a particle precisely makes the… … Wikipedia
uncertainty principle — Physics. the principle of quantum mechanics, formulated by Heisenberg, that the accurate measurement of one of two related, observable quantities, as position and momentum or energy and time, produces uncertainties in the measurement of the other … Universalium
uncertainty principle — /ʌnˈsɜtnti prɪnsəpəl/ (say un sertntee prinsuhpuhl) noun the principle that it is not possible to determine simultaneously with complete accuracy both the position and the momentum of an atomic particle, as an electron, because of the very… …
uncertainty principle — noun Date: 1929 a principle in quantum mechanics: it is impossible to discern simultaneously and with high accuracy both the position and the momentum of a particle (as an electron) called also Heisenberg uncertainty principle … New Collegiate Dictionary
uncertainty principle — noun Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Syn: indeterminacy principle … Wiktionary
uncertainty principle — uncer′tainty prin ciple n. phs the quantum mechanical principle, formulated by Heisenberg, that measuring either of two related quantities, as position and momentum or energy and time, produces uncertainty in measurement of the other • Etymology … From formal English to slang
uncertainty principle — noun Physics the principle, stated by Werner Heisenberg, that the momentum and position of a particle cannot both be precisely determined at the same time … English new terms dictionary
uncertainty principle — noun (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time • Syn: ↑indeterminacy principle • Topics: ↑quantum theory • Hypernyms: ↑scientific theory … Useful english dictionary
Heisenberg uncertainty principle — see uncertainty principle. * * * Physics. See uncertainty principle. [1965 70; named after W. K. HEISENBERG] * * * Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Heisenberg s uncertainty principle /hīˈzən bûrg(z) un sûrˈtən ti prinˈsi pl/ noun A more formal… … Useful english dictionary
