Institute of Physics eBooks
Relativistic wave equation for particles
Jyotirmoy Guha
Abstract
We underscore the need of relativistic quantum mechanics in dealing with particles. Various notations used in relativity are defined and explained. We derive the Klein–Gordon equation for free particle as well as for particle in electromagnetic field. We obtain a solution and interpret it. We derive the Dirac equation for free particle as well as for particle in electromagnetic field. Plane wave solution to the Dirac equation is obtained. We show how spin of electron, idea of antiparticle , phenomena of pair production and pair annihilation follow from the Dirac equation.