Why Does Phase Velocity Differ in Relativistic and Non-Relativistic Cases?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the differences in phase velocity between relativistic and non-relativistic cases, specifically highlighting the equations Vph = Vg/2 for non-relativistic scenarios and Vph = c^2/Vg for relativistic scenarios. It establishes that while the phase velocity of massive particles in non-relativistic cases is less than the group velocity, in relativistic cases, it exceeds the group velocity, potentially surpassing the speed of light. The conversation also touches on the implications of energy definitions in relativity, particularly how E = √(m²c⁴ + p²c²) contrasts with non-relativistic quantum mechanics where rest energy is neglected.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of phase velocity and group velocity in wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with relativistic energy-momentum relations
  • Knowledge of Taylor series expansions in physics
  • Basic concepts of quantum mechanics and particle physics
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  • Study the implications of the energy-momentum relation E = √(m²c⁴ + p²c²)
  • Explore the concept of phase and group velocities in different physical contexts
  • Investigate the role of Taylor series in approximating physical equations
  • Learn about the implications of relativistic effects on particle dynamics
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of wave behavior in relativistic and non-relativistic frameworks.

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So for the phase velocity of a massive particle we have

Vph = Vg/2 for non-relativistic case

Vph = c^2/Vg for the relativistic case

Vg is the group velocity or particle velocity
But there seems to be a contradiction in that for the non-relativistic case the phase velocity is predicted to be less than the group velocity whereas in the relativistic case the phase velocity must be greater than the group velocity (greater than the speed of light even).
Furthermore a taylor series expansion of c^2/Vg will not converge to Vg/2 for small velocities. Whats the deal with this - why are these predictions so vastly different? I am guessing it has something to do with not having absolute speed in relativity but can't connect the dots.
 
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Different choices for the zero point of energy. The phase velocity in both cases is vph = ω/k = E/p. Clearly this will change if a constant is added to E. In relativity, E = √(m2c4 + p2c2) ≈ mc2 + p2/2m, while in nonrelativistic QM we drop the rest energy mc2.

Basically the same as this other thread.
 

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