Orbitals misconceptions

While most derivations focus on the equation of motion, an equally important aspect of the MFT method is the correct representation of the quantum-mechanical initial state. It is well known that the classical limit of quantum dynamics in general is represented by an ensemble of classical orbits [23, 24, 26, 204]. Hence it is not appropriate to use a single classical trajectory, but it is necessary to average over many trajectories, the initial conditions of which are chosen to mimic the quantum nature of the initial state of the classically treated subsystem. Interestingly, it turns out that several misconceptions concerning the theory and performance of the MFT method are rooted in the assumption of a single classical trajectory. 

If one has differentiated information about elementary particles like protons, neutrons and electrons which connect to questions of chemical bonding, misconceptions can arise which mix bent water molecules or the 11-protons nucleus of a sodium atom with macroscopic characteristics of matter (see also Sect. 4.3). Since electrons are not ordinary basic particles of matter in the sense of atoms, ions and molecules, but are recognized more as charged clouds, orbital or through the particle-wave duality, the mixing of macroscopic and sub-microscopic characteristic properties should be avoided more carefully. 

Nelson s statement is cited by Mulder in his 2010 paper. However, here the author seems to forget what he says in his 2011 paper, where he admits that the term orbital has two different meanings. Irran a more decidedly reductionist position, in his 2010 paper Mulder considers Nelson s position simply wrong the chemical view of orbitals is a misconception. 

Nakiboglu, C. (2003). Instructional misconceptions of Turkish prospective chemistry teachers about atomic orbitals and hybridization. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 4(2), 171-188. 

There is a prevalent misconception that hyperconjugation with the CH bonds of a methylene group can only be effective when one is above and the other below the nodal plane. This is of course true of the antisymmetric combination of orbitals (< >a — 0b), but not of the symmetric combination (0a -I- 0b), which is not excluded from entering into hyperconjugation with a ir-electron system unless it is either in the nodal plane or perpendicular to it. 

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