Year: 1981
Type: article
Abstract: A theory of molecular structure is presented. The theory demonstrates that the concepts of atoms and bonds may be rigorously defined and given physical expression in terms of the topological properties of the observable distribution of charge for a molecular system. As a consequence of these definitions, one in turn obtains a definition of structure and a predictive theory of structural stability. The theory is linked to quantum mechanics by demonstrating that the atoms so defined represent a class of open quantum subsystems with a unique set of variationally defined properties.
Source: Reports on Progress in Physics
Authors: R F W Bader, T T Nguyen-Dang, Y Tal
Institution: McMaster University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2032440360