Born-Oppenheimer approximation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-012933",
  "term": "Born-Oppenheimer approximation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A fundamental approximation in quantum chemistry that simplifies the Schrödinger equation for molecules by separating the electronic and nuclear motions. It assumes that atomic nuclei are much heavier than electrons and thus move much slower, allowing the electronic wavefunction to be calculated for fixed nuclear positions. This approximation is valid for most molecules under normal conditions, but breaks down in cases like the Jahn-Teller effect.",
  "synonyms": [
    "BO approximation"
  ],
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Jahn-Teller effect",
    "adiabatic",
    "wavefunction"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1929 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/born-oppenheimer-approximation/"
}