James Baquet

    The German physicist Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) is one of the most important figures in the field of quantum physics. It is a field which most laymen find mystifying, and Heisenberg’s research is no easier to understand than that of any other. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932, being recognized as the “creator” of quantum physics. But he also made significant contributions in other areas: understanding of the nucleus of the atom; cosmic rays; and the relatively “classical” study of ferromagnetism, the interaction of iron and other metals with magnets.

    Even before his Nobel was awarded, he published the idea that is most commonly associated with him today: “Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle.” It states (simply put) that the more precisely the position of some subatomic particle is determined, the less precisely its speed can be known, and vice versa. This means that, in measuring subatomic particles, the very act of measurement affects other aspects of the particle, so that we cannot accurately measure two aspects of the same particle.

    Here’s a real-world analogy: blindfolded, you want to determine where a water glass is on a table. You throw a ball at the glass, and based on how quickly the ball bounces back, you determine where the glass was. But when the ball hit the glass, the glass flew across the room, and you have no way of knowing how fast it moved. Likewise, not knowing where it is, you cannot determine how fast it was moving before you hit it. You cannot measure its speed and position at the same time.

    The principle is often invoked — somewhat inaccurately — in other situations. For example, you want to measure the temperature of a liquid. But when you insert a thermometer into the liquid, the temperature of the thermometer itself affects the temperature of the liquid. And you cannot adjust the thermometer’s temperature by heating or cooling it until you first know the liquid’s temperature.

    Heisenberg died in Germany at 74.

    Vocabulary:

    Which word above means:

    1. a figure of speech that compares two things

    2. in the same way

    3. a person who studies matter, energy, etc.

    4. pieces of stone or metal that attract some other metals

    5. hard to understand, confusing

    6. a device for measuring temperature

    7. called upon

    8. radiation from outer space

    9. nonprofessional people

    10. the opposite (of something)