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Teaching Space Group Symmetry through Problems

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George L. Hardgrove Jr.

Department of Chemistry, St.Olaf College, 1520 Saint Olaf Avenue, Northfield, MN 55057-1098

J. Chem. Educ., 1997, 74 (7), p 797

DOI: 10.1021/ed074p797

Publication Date (Web): July 1, 1997

Abstract

Symmetry in the solid state is often neglected in chemical education. Worked examples of high symmetry structures including NaCl, CaF₂, K₂SiF₆, hexamethylenetetramine, and cubane help the student visualize space group symmetry. The student first determines the number of molecules or formula units per cell from the density and unit-cell dimensions. The numbers of atoms of each element are then compared with the numbers of equivalent general or special positions for the space group. Atoms are then placed in positions in the unit cell consistent with the geometry expected for the molecule or ion. References are then given to 11 other compounds suitable for this type of analysis.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Inorganic Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Problem Solving / Decision Making

Keywords (Subject):

Crystals / Crystallography

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

Pollution Police. How To Determine Spectroscopic Selection Rules
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- Pollution Police. How To Determine Spectroscopic Selection Rules
  Jodye I. Selco , Janet Beery
  Journal of Chemical Education2004 81 (2), 225
  Pollution Police is a laboratory or classroom project intended to show students how quantum mechanical selection rules can be developed. Students see how elementary linear algebra and group theory are used to describe molecular symmetry, how chemical ...
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