Spin statistics: An error in Landau and Lifschitzrsquo;QuantumMechanics

摘要

InQuantumMechanics, Landau and Lifschitz derive a formula for the direct calculation of rovibronic statistical weights. If it were correct, this formula would dramatically reduce the effort necessary to calculate statistical weights in large molecules. Unfortunately, due to a common misapplication of the Pauli principle, the formula derived is incorrect, as are the subsequent examples and problem solutions. The correct fomula derived in this paper is used to calculate statistical weights for hydrogen, ethylene, and ammonia which agree with those of Herzberg, Townes and Schawlow, and Bunker.