Calculating the state for Helium

[randomafk]

So, when dealing with the Hydrogen molecule (H2) we know each electron is antisymmetric since they're fermions
i.e. \Psi_\_ = 1/\sqrt(2) * (\Psi_a(r1) * \Psi_b(r2) - \Psi_b(r1) * \Psi_a(r2))

and then similarly for the spinor such that the total state, \Psi\chi is antisymmetric

When you deal with atoms, like helim, we can approximate the state of the system as the product of hydrogen wave (\Psi = \Psi_a *\Psi_b). But in doing so, aren't we assuming the electrons are distinct? Why not with that formula for \Psi_\_

 

[andrien]

I think this is just the lowest order approximation in which ,interaction between the electrons is neglected.it is called 'independent particle approximation'.