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... > mathematical technique > mathematical analysis > differential equation > partial differential equation > wave equation > Klein-Gordon equation

Preferred term

Klein-Gordon equation  

Definition

  • The Klein–Gordon equation (Klein–Fock–Gordon equation or sometimes Klein–Gordon–Fock equation) is a relativistic wave equation, related to the Schrödinger equation. It is second-order in space and time and manifestly Lorentz-covariant. It is a quantized version of the relativistic energy–momentum relation E²= (pc)²+ (m₀c²². Its solutions include a quantum scalar or pseudoscalar field, a field whose quanta are spinless particles. Its theoretical relevance is similar to that of the Dirac equation. Electromagnetic interactions can be incorporated, forming the topic of scalar electrodynamics, but because common spinless particles like the pions are unstable and also experience the strong interaction (with unknown interaction term in the Hamiltonian,) the practical utility is limited. The equation can be put into the form of a Schrödinger equation. In this form it is expressed as two coupled differential equations, each of first order in time. The solutions have two components, reflecting the charge degree of freedom in relativity. It admits a conserved quantity, but this is not positive definite. The wave function cannot therefore be interpreted as a probability amplitude. The conserved quantity is instead interpreted as electric charge, and the norm squared of the wave function is interpreted as a charge density. The equation describes all spinless particles with positive, negative, and zero charge. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klein%E2%80%93Gordon_equation)

Broader concept

Related concepts

Entry terms

  • Klein–Fock–Gordon equation
  • Klein-Gordon field

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-KQ30HBLN-C

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