Point Groups

Abstract

This activity is an introduction to point groups at the undergradute level for use in an Inorganic Chemistry course. This activity assumes prerequisite knowledge of symmetry elements and the principal rotation axis, which is covered in CA7: Symmetry Elements, also submitted to the PAC. At the end of this activity students should be able to determine whether a mirror plane is horizontal, vertical, or dihedral and assign molecules to point groups based on visual inspection.

Level: Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom 
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Chemistry
Course: Inorganic Chemistry
Keywords: Point groups, symmetry, mirror planes