Most Probable Questions: Unit I - Relativistic
Quantum Mechanics
Syllabus and Past Paper Analysis
The Ultimate Study Set for Unit I
Based on analysis of Sikkim University PHY-PG-302 past papers (2022-2024). Master
these 10 questions to cover over 90% of the potential exam content from this unit.
1. The Klein-Gordon Workhorse
a) Starting from the relativistic energy-momentum relation, derive the Klein-Gordon
equation for a free particle.
b) For the Klein-Gordon wavefunction ϕ, define the probability density ρ and proba-
bility current density ⃗j.
c) Show that they satisfy the continuity equation:
∂ρ
+ ∇ · ⃗j = 0.
∂t
d) Explain the problem associated with interpreting this ρ as a probability density.
Why it’s probable: Appears in every single paper.
2. KG in EM Field & The “Schrödinger Form”
a) Using the minimal coupling prescription, write down the Klein-Gordon equation
for a charged particle in an electromagnetic field described by the four-potential
⃗
Aµ = (ϕ, A).
b) For a free KG field ϕ, construct the following two-component spinor:
ℏ ∂ϕ
ξ 1 ϕ − mc
ψ= =√ ∂t
ℏ ∂ϕ .
η 2 ϕ + mc ∂t
c) Show that ψ satisfies the Schrödinger equation iℏ ∂ψ ∂t
= Hψ, and derive the form of
the 2 × 2 matrix Hamiltonian H.
Why it’s probable: Part (a) is direct. Part (b) is a favorite trick question.
3. Dirac Hamiltonian and Basics
a) Write the free-particle Dirac equation in the covariant form (iℏγ µ ∂µ − mc)ψ = 0.
b) Write it in the Hamiltonian form iℏ ∂ψ
∂t
= HD ψ and identify the Hamiltonian oper-
ator HD in terms of the α⃗ and β matrices.
c) State the fundamental anticommutation relations that the Dirac matrices αi and β
must satisfy.
Why it’s probable: Fundamental starting point for any Dirac question.
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4. Dirac Probability Current
a) Define the probability current four-vector j µ for the Dirac theory.
b) Show explicitly that it is conserved, i.e., ∂µ j µ = 0.
c) Show that the probability density j 0 = ρ = ψ † ψ is positive definite.
Why it’s probable: The key success of the Dirac equation, often tested.
5. Dirac Magnetic Moment
a) Apply the minimal coupling prescription to the Dirac Hamiltonian to include an
external electromagnetic field.
b) From the equation for the large component in the non-relativistic limit, identify the
interaction term with the magnetic field B.
⃗
c) Show that this term corresponds to the interaction of a magnetic moment µ e ⃗
⃗ = g 2m S
with B, and that the Dirac theory predicts g = 2.
⃗
Why it’s probable: A cornerstone achievement. Asked in three separate papers.
6. Angular Momentum in Dirac Theory
a) Show that the orbital angular momentum L ⃗ = ⃗r × p⃗ does not commute with the
free-particle Dirac Hamiltonian, [HD , L]
⃗ ̸= 0.
b) Define the spin angular momentum operator S ⃗ = ℏΣ
2
⃗ for the Dirac field.
c) Show that the total angular momentum J⃗ = L ⃗ +S ⃗ does commute with the Hamil-
tonian, [HD , J]
⃗ = 0. Discuss the physical significance of this result.
Why it’s probable: A very specific and common question about a key property of spin.
7. Negative Energy & Hole Theory
a) Describe the problem of negative energy solutions in the Dirac equation. Why did
they pose a fundamental threat to the stability of matter?
b) Explain Dirac’s “Hole Theory” as a resolution to this problem.
c) What was the revolutionary prediction of this theory?
Why it’s probable: A major conceptual hurdle directly asked in past papers.
8. Non-Relativistic Limit & Darwin Term
a) Expand the Dirac Hamiltonian (for a particle in a static electric field) for the large
components to obtain its non-relativistic limit to order (v/c)2 .
b) Identify the spin-orbit coupling term and the Darwin term in the resulting Hamil-
tonian.
c) Explain the physical origin of the Darwin term. Why did it appear as a non-
hermitian term in the expansion, and how is this mathematical issue resolved?
Why it’s probable: Your examiners love this subtlety.
9. The Inadequacy of RQM (The Bridge to QFT)
“Despite its successes, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics is ultimately inadequate.” Justify
this statement by discussing at least three major problems that necessitate the transition
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to Quantum Field Theory.
Why it’s probable: This is the overarching theme of the entire unit. Use examples from
KG (negative probability) and Dirac (negative energies, infinite sea, particle creation) to
build your answer.
10. MCQ Quick Fact Check
Be prepared for multiple-choice questions on these facts:
• The Klein-Gordon equation describes spin-0 particles (e.g., pions, Higgs boson).
• The Dirac equation describes spin-1/2 particles (e.g., electrons, quarks).
• The range of the Yukawa potential is ℏ/mc.
• Antiparticles in Dirac’s theory are interpreted as unoccupied negative energy
states.
• In the non-relativistic limit, the large component of the Dirac spinor dominates.
• The problems of RQM are: Negative probabilities, negative energy solutions,
and violation of causality (all of them).
Final Advice
1. Derivations are Key: Your exams are derivation-heavy. Practice the steps, don’t
just memorize the final answer.
2. Conceptual Clarity: For every derivation, know the physical significance.
3. Practice Past Papers: Time yourself answering these exact questions from the
past papers. This is the best exam simulation.