uncertainty principle
noun 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, such that the product of the uncertainties of both quantities is equal to or greater than h/2π, where h equals Planck's constant.
Also called
indeterminacy principle,
Heisenberg uncertainty principle.
Origin of uncertainty principle
First recorded in 1930–35
Words nearby uncertainty principle
unceasing,
uncensored,
unceremonious,
uncertain,
uncertainty,
uncertainty principle,
uncertificated share,
unchain,
unchallenged,
unchancy,
unchangeable
British Dictionary definitions for uncertainty principle
uncertainty principle
noun
the principle that energy and time or position and momentum of a quantum mechanical system, cannot both be accurately measured simultaneously. The product of their uncertainties is always greater than or of the order of h, where h is the Planck constant
Also known as: Heisenberg uncertainty principle, indeterminacy principle
Scientific definitions for uncertainty principle
uncertainty principle
[ ŭn-sûr′tn-tē ]
A principle, especially as formulated in quantum mechanics, that greater accuracy of measurement for one observable entails less accuracy of measurement for another. For example, it is in principle impossible to measure both the momentum and the position of a particle at the same time with perfect accuracy. Any pair of observables whose operators do not commute have this property. As defined in quantum mechanics, it is also called Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Similar uncertainty principles hold for non-quantum mechanical systems involving waves as well.
Cultural definitions for uncertainty principle
uncertainty principle
The statement in quantum mechanics, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, that it is impossible to measure two properties of a quantum object, such as its position and momentum (or energy and time), simultaneously with infinite precision.