Heisenberg uncertainty
/ˈhaɪzənbɜːrɡ ʌnˈsɜːrtənti/
the act of observation changes what's observed
Heisenberg uncertainty in a sentence
“Polling creates Heisenberg uncertainty—it influences the election it measures.”
Origin of Heisenberg uncertainty
Quantum mechanics: can't know both position and momentum precisely
Related Words
Copernican revolution
a radical shift in perspective or understanding
Schrodinger's cat
something in two contradictory states until observed
paradigm shift
a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
quantum leap
a sudden, dramatic advance (note: scientifically, it's tiny)
critical mass
the minimum amount needed to trigger significant change
tipping point
the moment when small changes trigger large, often irreversible effects