Relativity Considerations for Measurements on a Free Particle

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of measuring a free particle's momentum and position within the framework of quantum mechanics (QM) and special relativity (SR). It establishes that measuring a localized particle's momentum transforms it into a plane wave, leading to the possibility of finding the particle outside its future light cone, which contradicts relativistic principles. The Schrödinger equation is highlighted as non-covariant, indicating its incompatibility with SR. To resolve these issues, the discussion suggests the necessity of employing relativistic theories such as the Dirac equation or Quantum Field Theory.

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Suppose I have an initially localized free particle at x0 then I measure its momentum it will become a plane wave so there is a probability that if I measure its position again to find it far away from its initial position if the time between the two measurements were T isn't finding the particle at xo+2cT for example violate relativity ....because of that I imagine that an initially localized particle must be modeled to be a particle in infinite box with width equals 2ct but I was told that this isnt a true model but why?
 
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Standard QM is non relativistic and is not compatible with SR. You can see this directly from the Schrödinger equation, which is not covariant, as the derivatives with respect to time and spatial coordinates are different.

And, indeed, it's possible to find a particle outside its future light cone. To patch this up, you need a relativistic theory, such as the Dirac equation. Or, fully fledged relativistic Quantum Field Theory. Of which standard QM is a non-relativistic approximation.
 
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