Wave function simplification in relativistic coordinates?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a wave function in relativistic coordinates, specifically addressing the relationship between two expressions involving the wave function and the interpretation of terms in the context of relativistic 4-vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the equivalence of two forms of the wave function, noting the disappearance of the term p_{0}x^{0} in the transition from one expression to another.
  • Another participant clarifies that the right side of the equation considers p and x as relativistic 4-vectors, and that p⋅x represents the 4-vector "dot product," which corresponds to the expression in the inner parentheses of the left side.
  • A later reply acknowledges the clarification and expresses gratitude for the insight.
  • There is a mention of how to denote 'h-bar' in different formats, but this does not directly relate to the main mathematical discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the interpretation of the terms as relativistic 4-vectors, but the initial confusion regarding the simplification remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not fully resolve the participant's initial confusion about the equivalence of the two expressions, as it focuses on clarification rather than a definitive explanation.

sciencegem
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My textbook says
ψ(x,t)=exp(i(p[itex]_{0}[/itex]x[itex]^{0}[/itex] + p[itex]^{→}[/itex][itex]\cdot[/itex]x[itex]^{→}[/itex])/h)=exp(i*p[itex]\cdot[/itex]x/h)
(note that by h I mean 'h-bar'...couldn't find the symbol).
I don't recognize (like my text implies I should) how the first equation equals the second. Where did the p[itex]_{0}[/itex]x[itex]^{0}[/itex] go? Sorry for my stupidity here. Any hints appreciated. Thanks.
 
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On the right side, he's considering p and x as relativistic 4-vectors. p⋅x is the 4-vector "dot product" which is defined as the expression in the inner parentheses on the left side.
 
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jtbell said:
On the right side, he's considering p and x as relativistic 4-vectors. p⋅x is the 4-vector "dot product" which is defined as the expression in the inner parentheses on the left side.

I can't believe I didn't think of that. Thank you!
 
sciencegem said:
(note that by h I mean 'h-bar'...couldn't find the symbol).
In TeX it's \ hbar. In UTF it's just ħ
 
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Thanks!
 

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