Klein-Gordan Eqn: Understanding Negative Probabilities

  • Thread starter captain
  • Start date
In summary, The Klein-Gordan equation is accepted to describe spin 0 particles, even though it gives the wrong statistical interpretation, because it has to be second quantized to get to a QM wave function. As a one particle equation, it relates to the charge density. The reason we have not observed any fundamental spin-0 particles in nature may be due to the fact that the Higgs boson has not been observed.
  • #1
captain
164
0
I am having trouble understand why the klein-gordan eqn is accepted to describe spin 0 particles since it gives the wrong statistical interpretation (such as negative probablities).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Instead of trying to answer, I'll add another question without insinuating anything.

captain said:
I am having trouble understand why the klein-gordan eqn is accepted to describe spin 0 particles since it gives the wrong statistical interpretation (such as negative probablities).

Why have we not observed any supposedly fundamental spin-0 particles in nature? :)

(higgs hasn't been observed)

/Fredrik
 
  • #3
captain said:
I am having trouble understand why the klein-gordan eqn is accepted to describe spin 0 particles since it gives the wrong statistical interpretation (such as negative probablities).
The Klein-Gordan equation has to be second quantized to get to a QM wave function.
As a one particle equation, [tex]\psi^*\psi[/tex] relates to the charge density.
 

1. What is the Klein-Gordan equation?

The Klein-Gordan equation is a relativistic wave equation that describes the behavior of spinless particles, such as the Higgs boson. It is a second-order partial differential equation that combines elements of both the Schrödinger equation and the relativistic energy-momentum relation.

2. What are negative probabilities in the context of the Klein-Gordan equation?

Negative probabilities arise in the Klein-Gordan equation due to its complex-valued solutions. This is a mathematical consequence of the equation and does not have a physical interpretation. In fact, the negative probabilities are often interpreted as negative energy states, which cannot exist in reality.

3. How do negative probabilities affect the interpretation of the Klein-Gordan equation?

The presence of negative probabilities does not affect the physical interpretation of the Klein-Gordan equation. The equation is still a valid description of spinless particles and its solutions can be used to make predictions about their behavior. However, the negative probabilities themselves do not have a physical meaning and are often ignored in practical applications.

4. Can negative probabilities be observed in experiments?

No, negative probabilities cannot be observed in experiments. As mentioned before, they do not have a physical interpretation and are often considered as mathematical artifacts. In fact, the Klein-Gordan equation is often modified to eliminate the negative probabilities, such as in the case of the Dirac equation.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Klein-Gordan equation?

The Klein-Gordan equation has a wide range of applications in theoretical physics, particularly in the study of quantum field theory. It has been used to describe the behavior of fundamental particles, such as the Higgs boson, and to make predictions about their interactions. It has also been applied in other areas, such as condensed matter physics and cosmology.

Similar threads

Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
23
Views
698
Replies
9
Views
776
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
664
Replies
1
Views
790
Replies
1
Views
964
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
926
Replies
0
Views
487
Back
Top