Introduction to Quantum Mechanics · Problem 5.16

Identical Particles — David J. Griffiths

Physics — Quantum Mechanics · lithium_ground_state

Problem

The ground state of lithium. Ignoring electron–electron repulsion, construct the ground state of lithium (Z=3Z = 3). Start with a spatial wave function, analogous to Equation 5.41, but remember that only two electrons can occupy the hydrogenic ground state; the third goes to ψ200\psi_{200}. What is the energy of this state? Now tack on the spin, and antisymmetrize (if you get stuck, refer back to Problem 5.10). What's the degeneracy of the ground state?

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