Work

Does chemistry need more physics?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this mini-review I look into the physics underlying the theory of electronic structure of atoms and molecules. Quantum mechanics is needed to understand the structure of the periodic table. Special relativity is indispensable for a correct description of the chemistry of the heavy elements. With increased accuracy of quantum chemical calculations, it is natural to ask if chemistry needs more physics.

Source: Pure and Applied Chemistry

DOI: 10.1515/pac-2025-0497

Author: Trond Saue

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Laboratoire de Chimie et Physique Quantiques

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Chemical Physics Studies

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: H2020 European Research Council

Award: Highly Accurate Molecular Properties using variational Quantum Electrodynamics