A New Approach for Introducing Schrödinger’s Equation Using Maxwell’s Equations, Quantum Mechanics, and Special Relativity

Hye Jung Kang^1,

¹College of Arts, Sciences and Education, Texas A&M University, Texarkana, TX, 75503, USA

Cite this paper:
Hye Jung Kang. A New Approach for Introducing Schrödinger’s Equation Using Maxwell’s Equations, Quantum Mechanics, and Special Relativity. American Journal of Educational Research. 2018; 6(7):963-966. doi: 10.12691/education-6-7-11

Abstract

The wave-particle duality for light has been well established by various experiments, such as Young’s double slit experiment and the photoelectric effect. This led de Broglie to propose that a particle also has wave characteristics. Schrödinger further established the wave equation for a moving particle. Many times, quantum mechanics textbooks do not show how Schrödinger’s equation was developed in an intuitive manner that is appropriate at the undergraduate level. This article presents a new approach for introducing Schrödinger’s equation. This new approach starts with Maxwell’s equations and then applies the quantized energy of a light wave and special relativity. This more intuitive approach should help undergraduate students understand the origin of Schrödinger’s equation in a more natural way.

Keywords:
wave-particle duality Schrödinger’s equation quantized energy of a light wave special relativity Maxwell’s equation

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References:

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