Quick Navigation

Topics

Entanglement Theory Quantum Correlations Quantum State Preparation Representation Open Quantum Systems Decoherence Quantum Simulation

Full Lagrangian Theory from Constant Speed Lorentz Invariant -Et+px ?

OpenAlex
Authors: Francesco R. Ruggeri

Year

2026

Paper ID

25494

Status

Preprint

Abstract Read

~4 min

Abstract Words

598

Citations

0

Abstract

A free particle’s motion may be described by the simple equation x=vt. One may ask: What more does one need to present than that? We suggest that due to special relativity, x=vt is not sufficient, especially in cases for which one has v(x)=constant to first order, but with acceleration occurring at the same time. Furthermore, even in the free particle case, x=vt is not sufficient quantum mechanically. The reason for this is that is that a key piece of physics is missing from x=vt, namely Newton’s notion of rest mass as inertia. Inertia means that some force is required to move a rest mass to the speed v. One may argue that once it is moving with a constant v and not interacting, then x=vt is the full description. According to special relativity, however, this is not the case due to the Lorentz invariant -EE + cc p dot p = -momo cccc ((1)), which is used to derive the formulas for E and p (energy and momentum in the first place). ((1)) holds even if the particle is not interacting. There is also another Lorentz invariant -Et+px = A(t,v), and we suggest that this also carries essential physical information as it is independent of x=vt -> x=E/p t (particle with rest mass). Given -Et+px=A(t) for a free particle, it is understood that x=vt. Nevertheless, -Et+px=A(t) contains independent information and we suggest trying to extract x=vt information from -Et+px=A(t). This may seem unnecessary given that one knows x=vt, a priori. Any expression one obtains from -Et+px = A(t) cannot contradict x=vt with v constant and so is essentially a statement of v=constant. In particular, we will show/argue that the expression obtained from -Et+px=A(t) is d/dt dL/dv=0 where L = -E+pv= -sqrt(1-vv/cc), i.e. t factored out of A(t,v) and then only v used as a variable. d/dt dL/dv=0 reduces to dv/dt=0 or v=constant and so one may ask: What possible relevance can d/dt dL/dv =0 have? We argue that its relevance emerges when one considers motion due to a conservative force F = -grad V(x). In such a case, each dx region is considered to have a constant v(x) and so the idea of a constant speed must still be relevant, but one must still respect special relativity. The simplest thing to do would be to write dv(x)/dt = function(x) linked to F(x), because when F=0, dv/dt=constant. This is in fact what one does for a constant rest mass in Newtonian (nonrelativistic physics). To be more general, however, one must include special relativistic information, even for a constant speed, and that full information is contained in d/dt dL/dv partial. Instead of setting this equal to 0, one must set it equal to an appropriate function of x, but one sees that there is a difference been a formalism using dv/dt = Function of x linked to force and d/dt dL/dv partial = Different function of x linked to force. The latter respects special relativity and L is the same function of v obtained from the special relativistic treatment of a free particle. This is why L= -mo sqrt(1-vv/cc) - V(x) in special relativity. In short, we argue that full Lagrangian theory emerges from special relativistic considerations of a free particle which contain more information than x=vt.

Why This Paper Matters

  • This paper contributes to the Quantum Simulation research area in the Quantum Articles archive.
  • It adds a 2026 reference point for readers tracking recent quantum research.
  • A free particle’s motion may be described by the simple equation x=vt.

Paper Tools

Become a member to use research tools

Sign in to open papers, visit source links, share, cite, compare, copy DOI links, request category corrections, and build your reading list.

Publisher Share Cite This Paper Copy URL Compare Copy DOI Add to Reading List Category Correction Request

References & Citation Signals

Local Citation Graph (Related-Paper Links)

Current Paper #25494 #69027 Computational Superiority of No... #68993 Tomography of quantum states wi... #68981 Affine Filtering Measurements a... #68971 On solutions of the Schrödinger...

External citation index: OpenAlex citation signal • updated 2026-06-14 02:04:17

Community Reactions

Quick sentiment from readers on this paper.

Score: 0
Likes: 0 Dislikes: 0

Sign in to react to this paper.

Discussion & Reviews (Moderated)

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 (0 ratings)

No written reviews yet.