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International journal of scientific research

Derivation of the Schrodinger Equation from Classical Physics

José Garrigues Baixauli

Published May 1, 2016• 2 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

In this work, the Schrodinger equation is deduced in a very simple manner. The starting point is the assumption that the Universe and particles are formed by four-dimensional Planck atoms. The wave function is the ratio between the kinetic energy that the electron has when it is unobserved and the energy that it acquires due the observation.

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quant-pharXiv:2603.27041•Mar 31, 2026
In this work, the Schrodinger equation is deduced in a very simple manner. The starting point is the assumption that the Universe and particles are formed by four-dimensional Planck atoms. The wave function is the ratio between the kinetic energy that the electron has when it is unobserved and the energy that it acquires due the observation.
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 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 Schrödinger equation was really postulated rather than derived. But we can see why it was postulated. It has been proven to be valid, in that it provides information about small, slow moving particles subject to a wide variety of potentials. The derivation of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) follows rather directly from assuming a free particle wave: Ψ = e i(kx-ωt) . If this wave function is plugged into the classical wave equation, and quantum principles are used, the two sides of the equation are not equal (this means this function does not "solve" the equation). The quantum principles required are an understanding of the photoelectric effect (by which E = ħω) and the de Broglie hypothesis (λ = h/p). Using these relationships, we show that one derivative of time is equal to a double derivative with respect to position, with a few proportionality factors mixed in. Thus, the TDSE for a free particle is just a statement that kinetic energy equals total energy . For a non-free particle (subject to a potential), potential must merely be added to the left-hand side of the equation, to yield kinetic energy plus potential energy equals total energy .
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.