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European Journal of Physics

A pedagogical approach to relativity effects in quantum mechanics

Luis Grave de Peralta, Katrina C Webb, Hira Farooq

Published May 4, 2022• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract A simple but precise approach to relativistic quantum mechanics is presented. The approach is based on the use of a Schrödinger-like, little-known but well-studied quantum mechanics wave equation. Such formal similitude allows undergraduate students to quantitatively explore how the results corresponding to a typical non-relativistic quantum problem change when the particle is moving at relativistic speeds. No additional mathematical skills are required. We argue in favor of the academic use of this approach for including the implications of the special theory of relativity in introductory quantum mechanics courses.

DOI
10.1088/1361-6404/ac6cb7

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Abstract Wave mechanics triumphed when Schrödinger published his now famous equation and showed how to describe hydrogen-like atoms using it. However, while looking for the right equation, Schrödinger first explored, but did not publish, the equation that we today call the Klein–Gordon equation. An alternative possible choice is explored in this work. It is shown a quasi-relativistic wave equation which solutions match the Schrödinger’s results at electron energies much smaller than the energy associated to the electron’s mass, but include, at higher energies, the relativity energy’s correction calculated in traditional first order perturbation theory. A discussion is presented about several consequences that would follow from using this quasi-relativistic wave equation as a quantum mechanics foundational equation. It is also suggested the academic use of this equation for introducing the students to the implications of the special theory of relativity in introductory quantum mechanics courses.
Chapter 19 introduces relativistic quantum mechanics, with the aim of providing the student with a basic knowledge of the subject and a link to more advanced courses in relativistic quantum theory. It begins by showing that when the Schrödinger equation is modified to make it consistent with special relativity, the result is the Klein–Gordon equation, which gives better qualitative agreement with experiment. Introducing the electron spin into the Schrödinger equation leads to the Pauli equation, which gives rise to important spin effects. By considering both special relativity and spin, one obtains the Dirac and the van der Waerden equations. The main properties and implications of Dirac’s equation are discussed, including the electron’s zitterbewegung. The solution of Dirac’s equation for the free particle is presented in detail, the hydrogen-like atom is shown to be exactly solvable, and the particle in an external electromagnetic field is included as a complementary material.
The wave-particle duality for light has been well established by various experiments, such as Young’s double slit experiment and the photoelectric effect. This led de Broglie to propose that a particle also has wave characteristics. Schrödinger further established the wave equation for a moving particle. Many times, quantum mechanics textbooks do not show how Schrödinger’s equation was developed in an intuitive manner that is appropriate at the undergraduate level. This article presents a new approach for introducing Schrödinger’s equation. This new approach starts with Maxwell’s equations and then applies the quantized energy of a light wave and special relativity. This more intuitive approach should help undergraduate students understand the origin of Schrödinger’s equation in a more natural way.
Using a novel quasi-relativistic wave equation, which can give precise results up to energies ~mc2, exact quantum mechanical solutions are found which corresponds to a particle with mass moving through one-dimensional piecewise constant potentials. As expected, at low particle’s speeds, the found solutions coincide with the solutions of the same problems calculated using the Schrödinger equation; however, as it should be, both solutions have a significative difference at quasi-relativistic speeds. Then, it is argued that the quasi-relativistic wave equation provides a simpler description than a fully relativistic theory or the perturbation approach for a quantum particle moving at quasi-relativistic energies through piecewise constant potentials.
An intriguing quasi-relativistic wave equation, which is useful between the range of applications of the Schrödinger and the Klein-Gordon equations, is discussed. This equation allows for a quantum description of a constant number of spin-0 particles moving at quasi-relativistic energies. It is shown how to obtain a Pauli-like version of this equation from the Dirac equation. This Pauli-like quasi-relativistic wave equation allows for a quantum description of a constant number of spin-1/2 particles moving at quasi-relativistic energies and interacting with an external electromagnetic field. In addition, it was found an excellent agreement between the energies of the electron in heavy Hydrogen-like atoms obtained using the Dirac equation, and the energies calculated using a perturbation approach based on the quasi-relativistic wave equation. Finally, it is argued that the notable quasi-relativistic wave equation discussed in this work provides interesting pedagogical opportunities for a fresh approach to the introduction to relativistic effects in introductory quantum mechanics courses.