There is also an uncertainty principle for energy and time d
There is also an uncertainty principle for energy and time: delta E delta t h Show that both sides of this expression have the same units. The relationship introduced in Problem 1 -48 has been interpreted to mean that a particle of mass m (E = mc^2) can materialize from nothing provided that it returns to nothing within a time delta t h / mc^2. Particles that last for time delta t or more are called real particles; particles that last less than time delta t are called virtual particles. The mass of the charged pion, a subatomic particle, is 2.5 x 10^-28 kg. What is the minimum lifetime if the pion is to be considered a real particle
Solution
Problem 1.48:
Uncertainty principle for energy and time: E*t h -----> Eqn. (1)
Dimension of energy is electron volts (eV)
Dimension of time is second (s)
Now,
Planck\'s constant (h) = 6.62607 * 10-34 J-s
1 eV = 1.60218 * 10-19 J
Hence, h = 4.13567 * 10-15 eV-s
Thus, dimension of Planck\'s constant is product of electron volt (dimension of energy) and second (dimension of time)
Therefore, in Eqn.(1) both sides have same units.
Problem 1.49:
For considering pion to be a real particle, expected life time is t = h/(mc2), where m is the mass of the pion and c is velocity of light, i.e., 3*108 m/s
Mass of pion = m = 2.5 * 10-28 kg
Using above values, mc2 = 22.5* 10-12 kg-m2/s2 = 22.5* 10-12 J
Thus, t = 2.94492 * 10-23 s
