The Uncertainty Principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, is a fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that describes a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties of a particle, such as position and momentum, can be known simultaneously. The principle states that the more precisely one property is measured, the less precisely the other property can be known.
In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wavefunctions that represent the probabilities of different outcomes when measured. The uncertainty principle arises from the wave-particle duality, which means that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. The wavefunction of a particle describes a range of possible positions and momenta, rather than a single, definite value for both properties.
The uncertainty principle does not suggest that the particle lacks definite position or momentum ontologically, but rather that these properties do not exist simultaneously with arbitrary precision. This is a fundamental characteristic of quantum mechanics. When a property, such as position, is measured, the act of measurement disturbs the wavefunction and affects the particle's momentum, making it impossible to simultaneously measure both position and momentum with arbitrary precision.
Therefore, the uncertainty principle is not merely a limitation on our ability to measure properties but reflects an inherent property of the quantum world, where particles do not possess definite values for certain properties simultaneously. It is important to note that the uncertainty principle does not imply a lack of determinism in quantum mechanics but rather places limits on the precision of simultaneous measurements.