Variational Calculation of the Ground State of the Lithium Atom

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The validity of the results obtained by Burke in an earlier article with the same title have been questioned by Larsson in a recent publication. The earlier calculations were reexamined and an error was found. The new results indicate a total energy of -14.9403 Ry, as compared to the earlier results of -14.9559 Ry, and an energy of -14.9561 Ry calculated from experimental data. The new results are consistent with those of Larsson. The wave-function parameters for the more recent calculation with the addition of another term bringing the total energy to -14.9539 Ry are given. An estimation by Burke of the error involved in the lack of proper symmetry of the wave functions of James and Coolidge is discussed.