Question about Rydberg equation and molecular orbital

[f24u7]

Hi, I have a little question about atomic models


1. Does Rydberg equation only apply to hydrogen

2. What is the purpose and limitations of molecular obitals

 

[olgranpappy]

Hi, I have a little question about atomic models


1. Does Rydberg equation only apply to hydrogen

In principle it should only be applied to hydrogen-like systems--systems with one electron in a Coulomb potential. Anything beyond a one-electron (or effectively one-electron) systems is not exactly solvable, and a Rydberg-type equation involving one-electron energy differences is, in principle, wrong.

2. What is the purpose and limitations of molecular obitals

The purpose is to give a simple one-electron type of theory to a more complication many-electron system (a molecule). The limitation are legion, but interestingly molecular orbitals are still useful. A reference that I like regarding orbital theories is a book called "The Physics of the Chemical Bond". The author escapes me at the moment.

 

[f24u7]

I was wondering if the book is suitable for high school level?



Thanks for the answer. the explanation is very clear

 

[olgranpappy]

I was wondering if the book is suitable for high school level?

hmm... I'm not sure. But, probably it is too advanced for a high school text. Regardless, here is a link to the book on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486660214/?tag=pfamazon01-20
maybe you can have a look and see if you think it is too advanced.

Googling for a high school text on molecular orbitals found me this book which perhaps is useful:
http://caltechbook.library.caltech.edu/23/1/MOC_1961.pdf
have a look and let me know. cheers.

Thanks for the answer. the explanation is very clear

you're welcome.