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Glite Dictionary
indeterminacy principle

indeterminacy principle

9.9
A rule in physics that you cannot know a particle's position and how fast it moves at the same time
  • noun
  • /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnəsi ˈprɪnsəpəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : principio de indeterminación
  • According to the indeterminacy principle, measuring one property of a particle will disturb another property.

Examples

  • Physicists often discuss the implications of the indeterminacy principle in relation to quantum mechanics.

  • Ahhh, the hidden joys and sorrows of the indeterminacy principle.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The indeterminacy principle explains why we cannot know both the position and momentum of a particle simultaneously.

Synonyms

uncertainty principle
vsindeterminacy principle
  • Specialized
3 9.2

You cannot know both the position and speed of tiny particles exactly at the same time

has identical meaning but uses an alternative term for the same theory

Surface Forms

indeterminacy principle singular
indeterminacy principles plural

Morphology

indeterminacy + principle

The noun phrase is compositionally transparent: 'principle' (a foundational rule) modified by 'indeterminacy' (a condition of not being clearly defined) yields 'a basic rule/idea about indeterminacy', which a learner who knows both words can infer. The precise technical details (measurement limits in quantum mechanics) require subject-matter knowledge, but the general meaning of a rule concerning indeterminacy is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Indeterminacy principle comes from a simple image: trying to look at a tiny particle is like shining a bright light on a small ball — the light moves the ball and changes its motion. So, indeterminacy means you cannot 'determine' both the exact 'position' and exact 'speed' of a particle at the same time.