Single Idea 21203

[catalogued under 27. Natural Reality / B. Modern Physics / 2. Electrodynamics / d. Quantum mechanics]

Full Idea

The uncertainty principle states that energy conservation can be violated, but only for a limited period of time. As the energy violation increases, the time period within which 'borrowed' energy has to be 'paid back' decreases.

Gist of Idea

Uncertainty allows very brief violations of energy conservation - even shorter with higher energies

Source

Brian R. Martin (Particle Physics [2011], 01)

Book Reference

Martin, Brian R.: 'Particle Physics' [One World 2011], p.14


A Reaction

This is the only reason modern physicists ever seem to mention the uncertainty principle. You can ask why this debt must be paid, but it seems to be hidden where the laws of physics may not even apply.

Related Idea

Idea 20975 Quantum 'wave collapses' seem to violate conservation of energy [Papineau]