The uncertainty principle for energy and time. II

The meaning and scope of a recent type of uncertainty relation of a very general character are elucidated using the notions of time-indicating dynamical variables (clock variables) and place-indicating dynamical variables (position variables). It is shown that if the total energy (momentum) of a system is certain, all time-indicating (place-indicating) dynamical variables are completely uncertain. The quantum clock is discussed as an illustration of the energy-time uncertainty relation. The relations can be successfully applied to the thought experiments that Einstein introduced into his debate with Bohr about the uncertainty principle(s) and, in particular, to the famous photon-box experiment. It is shown that due to this general relation the photon box can never serve its purpose, independent of the details of the experiment. (C) 1998 American Association of Physics Teachers.