A variational principle is applied to the Schroedinger equation for theXY₂ linear molecule. Trial solutions are synthesized from the nuclear eigenstates, which are assumed to be simple harmonic oscillator eigenstates, and from the unperturbed electronic states, whose azimuthal dependence is
known because of the cylindrical symmetry of the field of the nuclei. The
secular equation is discussed, and an expression for the Renner splitting of the π state is obtained.Science, Faculty ofPhysics and Astronomy, Department ofGraduat
