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arXiv:2603.27041

Derivation of the Schrodinger equation from fundamental principles

Wenzhuo Zhang, Anatoly Svidzinsky

quant-phhep-phhep-thphysics.hist-phSubmitted Mar 27, 2026• Announced Mar 31, 2026
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Schrodinger path to the quantum mechanical wave equation was heuristic and guided more by physical intuition than formal deduction. Here we derive the Schrodinger equation for the particle wave function, assuming that it has a meaning of the probability amplitude to find the particle at time t at point r and the relations E=hw, p=hk expressing particle energy and momentum in terms of the frequency and wave vector of the associated probability wave.

Journal reference
Encyclopedia 6(2), 41 (2026)
DOI
10.3390/encyclopedia6020041
Comments
14 pages

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Schrodinger path to the quantum mechanical wave equation was heuristic and guided more by physical intuition than formal deduction. Here we derive the Schrodinger equation for the particle wave function, assuming that it has a meaning of the probability amplitude to find the particle at time t at point r and the relations E=hw, p=hk expressing particle energy and momentum in terms of the frequency and wave vector of the associated probability wave.
Abstract A heuristic derivation of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is presented based on an energy interpretation of the wave function. The spatial derivative naturally produces a term proportional to the kinetic energy, while the temporal derivative yields a term proportional to the total energy. By relating both contributions through the classical relation for total mechanical energy, the Schrödinger equation is obtained. The proposed approach provides a simple and intuitive framework to introduce this equation in modern physics or introductory-level quantum mechanics courses.
The Schrodinger equation has been considered to be a postulate of quantum physics, but it is also perceived and derived heuristically as the quantum equivalent of the classical energy relation. We indicate that the Schrodinger equation cannot be a physical postulate, and we show that the heuristic derivations wrongly consider that the particle kinetic energy is proportional to the square of the momentum operator acting on the wavefunction. The correct term is proportional to the square of the momentum. Analyzing particle interactions, we realize that particles have multiple virtual motions and that each motion is accompanied by a wave that has constant amplitude. Accordingly, we define the wavefunction as the superposition of the virtual waves of the particle. As a result, quantum mechanics becomes a local and global theory, while in the traditional formulation it is a local theory. In several interaction settings we can tell what particle motions arise and explain the outcomes in simple and tangible terms. Most importantly, the mathematical foundation of quantum mechanics becomes clear and justified, and we derive the Schrodinger, Dirac, etc. equations as the conditions the wavefunction must satisfy at each space-time point in order to fulfill the respective total energy equation.
The Schrodinger equation based on the de Broglie wave is the most fundamental equation of the quantum mechanics. There can be no doubt about it's prediction validity. However, the probabilistic interpretation on the quantum mechanics has insoluble semantic interpretations like reduction of wave packet on observations of physical values. Especially, it is not clear that the wave function which is described by complex function, is whether formality or reality to express the state of particle motion. On this paper, we interpret the wave nature of particle as not the inherency of particle itself, but the motional property of particle in fluctuated space-time due to the kinetic energy and momentum the belief that the kinetic energy and momentum fluctuates the microscopic space-time, and the particle move through the fluctuated space-time adversely. Then, through the particle motion in the Euclidean space-time, the particle will be recognized as if it has the wave nature. We estimate the governing equation of fluctuations of microscopic space-time based on the macroscopic law of motion. On this paper, the equivalence between the governing equation and the Schrodinger equation is indicated.
As its name suggests, Schrodinger’s equation is the brain child of Schrodinger and was first disclosed in 1926 in a paper entitled An Undulatory Theory of the Mechanics of Atoms and Molecules . Schrodinger begins by considering the dynamics of a particle moving through a force field. The Schrodinger’s equation is arrived at in an alternative heuristic path modeled after Haken. The Schrodinger’s equation is a wave equation that incorporates classical particle concepts, and classical wave function concepts, in its derivation. In other words, a heuristic approach to Schrodinger’s equation utilizes Max Planck’s quantum energy, classical kinetic energy of a free particle, and the classical “wave functions of ordinary wave optics.” Schrodinger’s equation is capable of explaining all atomic phenomena except those involving magnetism and relativity.
Abstract The Schrödinger equation relates the emergent quantities of wavefunction and electric potential and is postulated as a principle of quantum physics or obtained heuristically. However, physical consistency requires that the Schrödinger equation is a low-energy dynamical condition we can derive from the foundations of quantum electrodynamics. Due to the small value of the electromagnetic coupling constant, we show that the electric potential accurately represents the contributions of intermediate low-energy photon exchanges. Then, from the total nonrelativistic energy relation, we see that the dominant term of the electron wavefunction is a superposition of plane waves that satisfies the Schrödinger equation. Our derivation shows that the Schrödinger equation is not an energy conservation relation because its middle term does not represent the electron kinetic energy as assumed. We analyze the physical content of the Schrödinger equation and verify our assessments by calculating and evaluating the physical quantities in the ground state of the hydrogen atom. Furthermore, we explain why nonrelativistic quantum dynamics differs from classical dynamics. Undergraduate students can follow the derivation because it involves fundamental physical concepts and mathematical expressions, and we explain every step.
The Schrödinger equation is a fundamental equation in physics for describing quantum mechanical behavior. It is a partial differential equation that shows how a wave function of a physical system evolves over time. In addition, it is associated with the kinetic energy and the potential energy, both of which contribute towards the total energy. This paper explains mathematical aspect of the Schrödinger equation. The concept of the WKB approximation has also been reviewed, which is an important method in finding the approximate solutions for the wave function. In addition, the paper also shows how to derive the transmission and reflection probabilities in relation to a one-dimensional quantum problem, called a “tunneling problem”, which occurs when a classical particle passes through a region where total energy is less than its potential energy. The WKB approximation can be used as a basis for formally writing down the exact solutions. Furthermore, it gives a high accuracy for the propagation of waves with high frequency or short wavelength.