Two-Electron Density of Three Electrons in a 1D Box: A Model System for Visualizing Spin Correlation Due to Antisymmetry of Electrons

Authors

Joseph D. Alia, University of Minnesota - MorrisFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

3-2024

Publication Title

American Chemical Society National Meeting

Abstract

Visual models for understanding electron density distribution in molecules are useful for chemical reasoning. The Lewis structure for example compares well to one-electron density when all electrons are paired. Linnett Double Quartet structures compare well to some kinds of free radical species. These approaches do not show the behavior of the total electron wavefunction when two electrons near each other. This behavior is a two- electron property and can be visualized with the model of three electrons in a one- dimensional box. The two-electron density of the three electron wavefunction described as a slater determinent of 1D particle-in-a-box spin- orbitals is plotted for two electrons. The overall two-electron density plot is three- dimensional and can be shown using software such as Mathematica. The results show how the indistinguishability of the electrons as described by a wavefunction antisymmetric with respect to exchange of electrons reduces the probability that two electrons will simultaneously be at positions near each other in the box. This visualization can be helpful for students in physical chemistry or quantum chemistry classes to gain better understanding of the physical effects of antisymmetry of electrons with respect to exchange.

DOI

10.1021/scimeetings.4c10430

Comments

This oral presentation was presented at the 2024 Spring American Chemical Society National Meeting.

Recommended Citation

Alia, Joseph D., "Two-Electron Density of Three Electrons in a 1D Box: A Model System for Visualizing Spin Correlation Due to Antisymmetry of Electrons" (2024). Chemistry Publications. 10.
https://digitalcommons.morris.umn.edu/chem_facpubs/10

Primo Type

Conference Proceeding