The wave function of an atom is not simply obtained by considering the wave functions of all its subatomic particles. While the wave functions of the constituent particles play a role, the wave function of an atom is a more complex entity that incorporates the interactions and correlations between these particles.
In quantum mechanics, the wave function describes the state of a system and contains information about the probabilities of different outcomes when measurements are made. For an atom, the wave function describes the collective behavior of the electrons and the nucleus.
The wave function of an atom is typically represented as a mathematical function that depends on the positions and spin orientations of all the electrons and the nucleus. This function incorporates the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and quantum entanglement, which allow for the description of the complex interactions and correlations between the particles.
Solving the wave function of an atom is a challenging task due to the many-body nature of the problem and the interactions between particles. In practice, various approximation methods, such as the Hartree-Fock approximation or density functional theory, are employed to approximate the wave function and make practical calculations feasible.
It is important to note that while the wave function provides a complete description of the state of a system in quantum mechanics, it does not provide a complete picture of the underlying reality. The wave function represents our knowledge and predictions about the system and is often interpreted probabilistically rather than representing physical properties with certainty.