I Relativistic quantum mechanics

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The discussion centers on the necessity of a mass term in the Dirac and Klein-Gordon equations for unifying quantum mechanics (QM) and special relativity (SR). It is clarified that while a massless Klein-Gordon equation exists, a mass term is essential for studying massive particles, such as electrons, which require the Dirac equation's mass term for coupling spinor components. The Schrödinger equation (SDE) is deemed fundamentally non-relativistic due to its lack of Lorentz invariance, as it only describes a time component rather than a full 4-vector. The relationship between the Dirac and Schrödinger equations is explored, indicating that the former can be seen as a more comprehensive framework that includes the latter in the non-relativistic limit. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of mass and Lorentz invariance in the context of relativistic quantum mechanics.
  • #31
For example, the Dirac equations should be of the form:
$$(\partial_0 - \partial_1 + i\partial_2)\psi_1 + \partial_3 \psi_2 = - im\psi_4$$
Plus three more similar equations. There's no immediate way to decouple these: they are fundamentally equations for a four-component spinor. Certainly the SDE is nowhere to be seen.
 
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  • #32
Sure you get the non-relativistic limit by a formal expansion with respect to powers of ##1/c##, and also choosing a convenient representations for the Dirac matrices to do that. E.g., if you minimally couple the em. field you are lead to the Pauli equation with a Pauli spinor (throughing away the anti particles). All this can be found in Bjorken&Drell.
 
  • #33
redtree said:
the Schrodinger equation is a component of the Dirac equation

No, it isn't, it's a non-relativistic approximation to it, as has already been pointed out.

The OP question has been answered. Thread closed.
 

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