Relativistic nature of the Schrödinger equation

N. I. Ionescu-Pallas

Luis Grave de Peralta

A Schrödinger-like equation for a single free quantum particle is presented. It is argued that this equation can be considered a natural relativistic extension of the Schrödinger equation for energies smaller than the energy associated to the particle’s mass. Some basic properties of this equation: Galilean invariance, probability density, and relation to the Klein-Gordon equation are discussed. The scholastic value of the proposed Grave de Peralta equation is illustrated by finding precise quasi-relativistic solutions for the infinite rectangular well and the quantum rotor problems. Consequences of the non-linearity of the proposed equation for the quantum superposition principle are discussed.

Z. Ficek

This chapter introduces the concepts of the relativistic theory to basic problems of quantum physics, in particular, the extension of the Schrodinger equation to a relativistic form. Starting from the fundamental laws of relativity, the chapter evaluates the Klein–Gordon equation and investigates if the equation can be considered a generalization of the non-relativistic Schrodinger equation to the case of the relativistic energy. The chapter shows that the wave function, which is a solution to the Klein–Gordon equation, cannot be connected with the probability wave function. For this reason, the Dirac equation is used to solve the problems faced by the Klein–Gordon equation. The Dirac equation also includes the spin. The advantage of the Dirac equation over the Schrodinger and Klein–Gordon equations is that it naturally includes the spin. In the Schrodinger and Klein–Gordon equations, the spin is not present and has to be added to the wave function manually whenever the wave function determines a system with the spin.

H. N. Ioannidou

акустика Механика

Gao Shan

The free Schrodinger equation is shown to be a consequence of space-time homogeneity in the non-relativistic domain. First, we show that space-time translation invariance of natural laws, which is a conseqiuence of space-time homogeneity, entails that the state of a free particle with definite momentum and energy assumes the plane wave form when the time evolution of the state is linear. Next, we show that the conservation of energy and momentum, which is a consequence of space-time translation invariance, may further determine the energy-momentum relation In the non-relativistic domain. These results then lead to the free Schrodinger equation naturally. The new integrated analysis may help understand the origin of the wave equations in quantum theory.