Document Type
Course
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Physics 3710 – Introductory Modern Physics
Publication Date
8-28-2017
First Page
1
Last Page
6
Abstract
The Schrödinger equation: the quantum description of one massive, slow-moving particle
To establish a probability wave equation for one photon, it was useful to note that probability density and electromagnetic energy density were proportional. The governing equation for EM radiation fields is the Maxwell wave equation, which is also the governing equation for photon probability wave functions. Converting from EM radiation to photon information is made plausible by identifying energy and momentum operators with time- and space-derivatives, respectively. Thus, the Maxwell wave equation can be interpreted as being equivalent to the energy-momentum relation for photons. Though we don’t have a “Maxwell wave equation” to start with for massive particles, we do have an energy-momentum relation, so borrowing the energy and momentum operators from photons leads to an analogous wave equation for massive particles.
Recommended Citation
Peak, David, "Schrödinger, 1" (2017). Schrodinger. Paper 1.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/intro_modernphysics_schrodinger/1