An equation derived by P. A. M. Dirac, which can be regarded as an interpretation of the Schrödinger equation that takes account of relativity. It can be written in the form
where m is the mass of a free particle, c the speed of light, t the time, and ћ is the Dirac constant. The wave function is ψ and α and β are square matrices; i is √−1. The Dirac equation, unlike the Klein–Gordon equation, can be used with spin-½ particles, such as the electron; it also predicts the existence of antiparticles. As with the Klein–Gordon equation, it is more logical and consistent to treat the Dirac equation as a field equation rather than a particle equation, because the electron and the positron can then be treated on an equal footing.