Momentum Distribution in Molecular Systems

Abstract

A general discussion is given of the momentum wave functions of simple molecules in which only single bonds occur; the momentum functions are obtained by transformation of the space wave functions, for which two distinct approximations are possible. In each case it appears that the presence of the bond decreases the mean component of the velocity in the direction of the bond, increases the mean component of velocity perpendicular to the bond, and increases the mean momentum averaged over all directions. The analysis is illustrated by consideration and H2; in the latter case the strong dependence upon the mutual orientation of the two electronic momenta is emphasized.