Dirac's explanation of negative energy states

In summary, the conversation discusses the viability of Dirac's explanation for the paradox of negative energy solutions in his equation. While this paradox is absent in QFT, treating the Dirac equation as an equation for the wave function of an electron presents a puzzle. According to Dirac, negative energy particles are not observed because all states with negative energy are occupied. Instead, we observe a "hole in the negative energy sea." However, for the stability of vacuum, it is necessary to assume that these particles are fermions. This explanation does not hold for the Klein-Gordon equation, which describes bosons. Therefore, it is impossible to consistently explain negative energy solutions without using the formalism of QFT. The idea of a "hole in
  • #1
paweld
255
0
I wonder whether Dirac explanation of paradox of negative energy solutions
of his equation is viable. Of course this paradox is absent in QFT but if
we treat Dirac equation as an equation for wave function of electron
the negative energy solution are a puzzle. Acording to Dirac we don't
observe negative energy particles because all states with negative energy are
occupied. What we observe is a "hole in negative energy see". However
for stability of vacuum we have to additionally assume that the described particles
are fermions (states with some electrons are stable as all states with lower energy
are occupied and two electrons cannot occupy the same state). If we consider
the Klein-Gordon equation describing scalar particles (bosons) the Dirac's explanation
doesn't work. So in my opinion it's impossible to consistently explain the negative
energy solutions of relativistic wave equations not using formalism of QFT
(the filed then becomes an operator which destroys and creates particles).
So Dirac "hole in a see" argument has only historical meaning.
Am I right?
 
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  • #2
yes you are right. but for more explanation you can refer to quantum mechanics by schiff
,there he has elaborately given.
 

1. What is Dirac's explanation of negative energy states?

Dirac's explanation of negative energy states is a theory that describes the behavior of particles with negative energy. According to this theory, these particles exist in a sea of negative energy and are responsible for the stability of matter.

2. How did Dirac's explanation come about?

Dirac's explanation of negative energy states was developed in the 1920s when he was trying to combine quantum mechanics with special relativity. He realized that his equations predicted the existence of particles with negative energy, which was initially met with skepticism.

3. What is the significance of negative energy states in physics?

Negative energy states play a crucial role in many areas of physics, including quantum field theory, cosmology, and particle physics. They have also been used to explain phenomena such as Hawking radiation and the Casimir effect.

4. How do negative energy states differ from positive energy states?

Negative energy states have the opposite sign of energy compared to positive energy states. This means that particles with negative energy move backwards in time, which is counterintuitive but is necessary for the mathematical consistency of Dirac's theory.

5. Can negative energy states be observed or measured?

No, negative energy states cannot be directly observed or measured as they are a mathematical concept. However, their effects can be observed indirectly, such as in the behavior of certain particles or the stability of matter.

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