Heisenberg Humor
- By Anna Rothschild and Sarah Charley
- Posted 10.06.11
- NOVA
According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, you can't know both the location and momentum of a particle at the same time. You might not think this could be funny, but watch this video and you might think again.
For more on the Uncertainty Principle, check out this article on "Inside NOVA." And, post your own science joke on our Facebook page.
Transcript
Heisenberg Humor
Posted: October 6, 2011
NOVA Presents Comic Science
First⦠the science. (This will only take a second.)
The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle States:
"It is impossible to determine accurately both the position and the direction and speed of a particle at the same instant." – Heisenberg, Nuclear Physics
In other words⦠The more certain you are of how fast you're moving, the less certain you are of your location, and vice versa.
(If you were the size of an electron, that is.)
And now⦠the joke!
One day, Professor Heisenberg was speeding down the highway.
A cop pulled him over.
Cop: "Sir, do you know how fast you were going?"
Heisenberg: "No, but I know exactly where I am."
The End
Credits
PRODUCTION CREDITS
- Video short produced by
- Anna Rothschild and Sarah Charley
- Original Footage
- © WGBH Educational Foundation 2011
Image Credits
- (Main Image: car chase)
- © WGBH Educational Foundation 2011
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