Modern Physics: Mastering Physics: Width of a Wave Function

A particle is described by a wave function $\psi (x)=Ae^{- \alpha x^{2}}$ , where

and

are real, positive constants.

Part A
If the value of is increased, what effect does this have on the particle's uncertainty in position?

ANSWER:

	The particle's uncertainty in position will decrease.
	The particle's uncertainty in position will increase.
	There is no effect on the particle's uncertainty in position.

Part B
If the value of is increased, what effect does this have on the particle's uncertainty in momentum?

ANSWER:

	The particle's uncertainty in momentum will decrease.
	The particle's uncertainty in momentum will increase.
	There is no effect on the particle's uncertainty in momentum.

Modern Physics