Cartesian Approach to Atomic and Molecular Orbitals

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 13 Issue 5 (2008) pp 270-272

Cartesian Approach to Atomic and Molecular Orbitals

Carl W. David

Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269-3060, Carl.David@uconn.edu
Received October 6, 2007. Accepted July 23, 2008.

Published online: 20 September 2008

Abstract. Spherical polar coordinates, although important in working with hydrogenic orbitals, can be daunting for some students. An alternative formulation using Cartesian coordinates makes lower lying orbitals transparently understandable.

Key Words: In the Classroom; physical chemistry; quantum

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: Carl.David@uconn.edu)

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