Symmetry in atomic and molecular systems

Abstract

Symmetry is used to define alternative categorizations to which real atomic and molecular systems may correspond. By constructing idealized models to correspond to limiting cases, it becomes possible to decide what are the best approximations and starting points for making mathematlcal representations of the real systems. Tiffs is illustrated with two examples: atoms with two valence electrons, and multidimensional potential surfaces of atomic clusters. In the first example, the question is whether an independent-particle, quantum analogue of a solar system or a collective, rotor-vibrator model is more appropriate, ht the second example, the problem is finding enough about the multidimensional potential to describe the dynamics of the atomic motion, without becoming overwhelmed with irrelevant data.

The Investigation of Representation Symmetry of Free Atoms and their Atomic Energy Level Splittings in the ZnO Crystalline Field

“…Symmetry has been used in many ways to assist in and illuminate the study of atomic and molecular phenomena [1]. The symmetry of matter is a powerful framework to perceive and predict the physical world.…”