Question

How is a particle's zero-point energy related to the uncertainty principle?

How is a particle's zero-point energy related to the uncertainty principle?

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Answer #1

Zero point energy of the particle is the lowest possible energy a particle has in quantum mechanics. Uncertainity Principle explains that the zero point energy of a particle is actually non zero, This is because in case if we assume a particle confined in some finite volume it to be zero then the uncertainity in momentum will be zero and By uncertaintiy principle the uncertainity in its position will be infinite. But we know that the particle is enclosed in a finite volume, so the uncertainity in its position can not be infinite at the same time, and hence the uncertainity in momentum will not be zero and it should have a momentum and hence it will have some energy. So uncertainity principle relates to zero point energy by proving that it does not have a zero value.

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