Klein-Gordon Approximation Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the approximation of the Klein-Gordon equation in the context of a particle moving in a weak potential. Participants explore how to derive the Schrödinger equation from the Klein-Gordon equation under specific limits of low energy and weak potential.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a Taylor expansion is necessary to derive the Schrödinger equation from the Klein-Gordon equation, particularly to account for factors of 2.
  • Another participant proposes dividing the original equation by m² and performing a Taylor expansion, noting that E is of order m.
  • A different participant recommends dividing everything by E and using the smallness of V/E to facilitate a Taylor expansion, while also suggesting to drop the term V²/E².
  • Another participant argues that Taylor expansions are unnecessary and that algebraic manipulation, focusing on first-order terms, is sufficient to achieve the approximation.
  • One participant humorously comments on the reliance on Taylor expansions, suggesting that not every problem requires such an approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of Taylor expansions versus algebraic manipulation, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach to derive the Schrödinger equation from the Klein-Gordon equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific conditions such as the limits of weak potential and low energy, but the discussion does not resolve the assumptions or steps required for the derivation.

div curl F= 0
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I'd be greatful for a bit of help on this question, can't seem to get the answer to pop out:

A particle moving in a potential V is described by the Klein-Gordon equation:

[tex]\left[-(E-V)^2 -\nabla^2 + m^2 \right] \psi = 0[/tex]

Consider the limit where the potential is weak and the energy is low:
[tex]|V| << m \;;\; |\epsilon| << m \;;\; \epsilon = E - m[/tex]

Show that in this limit the KG equation can be approximated by the Schrödinger equation:

[tex]\left[-\nabla^2 + 2mV \right] \psi = 2m\epsilon \psi[/tex]

--------------


It seems that a taylor expansion is required or other approximation is needed to get the factors of 2 but I've tried several now and can't seem to make the answer.

Any help much appreciated.
 
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Divide the original equation by [tex]m^2[/tex], and Taylor expand. Of course [tex]E[/tex] is of order [tex]m[/tex], so keep that in mind when you divide by "large" things.
 
Last edited:
Sorry, divide everything through by [tex]E[/tex], then [tex]V/E[/tex] is small and you can Taylor expand the square and drop the term [tex]V^2/E^2[/tex]. Now multiply through by E again and divide by m?
 
No need for Taylor expansions, just algebra, keep stuff of 1st order of smallness, expand the square;

E^2 -> m^2 + 2m[tex]\epsilon[/tex]
2EV -> 2mV
V^2 -> 0

Stick that in and you get it.
 
Last edited:
Uhm, heh, about the Taylor expand thing... "If all you have is a hammer then everything looks like a nail", it doesn't bother me that it's already a polynomial =)
 

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