Quantum Field Theory Explorer

From Schrödinger to Klein-Gordon: A Journey Through Symmetries

The Quest for Relativistic Quantum Mechanics

Schrödinger (1926)

Non-relativistic quantum mechanics. Describes low-energy systems beautifully but fails at high velocities.

Klein-Gordon (1926-27)

Relativistic wave equation. First attempt to merge quantum mechanics with special relativity.

Symmetry Groups

The language that distinguishes these equations. Different symmetries reveal different physics.

The transition from Schrödinger to Klein-Gordon represents more than a mathematical upgrade—it's a fundamental shift in symmetry from the Galilean group to the Poincaré group, marking the birth of relativistic quantum field theory.

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