Understanding Coulombic Operator: J Equation

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter greisen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Operator
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the Coulombic operator represented by the equation J = ∫ dτ φ(2) (1/r_{12}) φ(2). Participants explore the meaning of the differential volume element dτ, its interpretation in spherical coordinates, and the implications of integrating over two wave functions representing electrons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the meaning of dτ in the context of the Coulombic operator and presumes the result relates to energy.
  • Another participant explains that dτ represents the differential volume element, specifically in spherical coordinates as r² dr dΩ.
  • A different participant questions the exact interpretation of the volume element and relates it to spherical geometry, noting the integration over two wave functions for electrons.
  • One participant suggests that the integration may involve the expectation of the Coulombic interaction operator and raises the need to express the 1/r term in terms of the position vectors r1 and r2, indicating potential complexity in three dimensions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are multiple interpretations and questions regarding the integration process and the specific wave functions involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for clarity on the definitions of the wave functions and the complexity of expressing the 1/r term in three-dimensional space. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

greisen
Messages
75
Reaction score
0
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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
[tex]d\tau[/tex] just represents the differential volume element.
In spherical coordinates, it is [tex]r^2 dr d\Omega[/tex].
 
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...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K