Secular equation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-010646",
  "term": "Secular equation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A mathematical equation that arises in quantum mechanics, particularly in the context of molecular orbital theory, when solving for the energy eigenvalues of a system. It is derived from the time-independent Schrödinger equation and is typically expressed as a determinant set to zero. The roots of this equation correspond to the allowed energy levels of the molecular orbitals.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "molecular orbital"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1962 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/secular-equation/"
}