Understanding Coulombic Operator: J Equation

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The discussion focuses on the Coulombic operator represented by the equation J = ∫ dτ φ(2) (1/r_{12}) φ(2). The variable τ denotes the differential volume element, which in spherical coordinates is expressed as r² dr dΩ. The integration involves two wave functions representing electrons, and the expectation of the Coulombic interaction operator is queried. The complexity of the 1/r term in three dimensions suggests that computational methods may be necessary for solving this problem.

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greisen
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Hi,

I am trying to understand this equation where the coulombic operator is given by

J = \int d\tau \phi(2) \frac{1}{r_{12}}\phi(2)

so I integrate over \tau but what is tau and the number I get from the equation is the energy I pressume?
Any hints or help appreciated.

Thanks in advance
 
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d\tau just represents the differential volume element.
In spherical coordinates, it is r^2 dr d\Omega.
 
what is that more exactly? I know from spherical geometry that the volume is calculate
dV = \rho^2 sin \phi d\phi d\rho d\theta

If I integrate over two wave functions representing two electrons how to interpreted it?

Any help or advice appreciated

Thanks in advance
 
Are you trying to integrate the expectation of the coulombic interaction operator over two wavefunctions? <a(r1)|J|b(r2)> ? (with r1, r2 position vectors so in general dependent on r, theta and phi).

If so, which wavefunctions a and b are you using? You'd also need to rexpress the 1/r term in J as some function r1-r2, which will be fairly complicated in 3D. I'd guess this problem is best solved computationally...
 

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