Chapter 12, Problem 12.54E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Between the given diatomic molecules ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}$ and ${\text{Cs}}_{\text{2}}$, the one for which Born-Oppenheimer approximation is likely to introduce less error is to be identified. The reason for the same is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The Born-Oppenheimer approximation describes the quantum state of the molecules. It stated that the motion of a nucleus and the motion of an electron in a molecule can be separated. The Schrödinger equation is solved by using the above mathematically expression for the given molecular wavefunction.

The Schrödinger equation is used to find the allowed energy levels for electronic transitions in the quantum mechanics. It is generally expressed as follows.

$\stackrel{⌢}{\mathrm{H}}\Psi =\text{E}\Psi$

Where,

• $\stackrel{⌢}{\mathrm{H}}$is the Hamiltonian operator.

• $\Psi$is the wavefunction.

• $\text{E}$ is the energy