SYMMETRY

The term symmetry is derived from the Greek word “symmetria” which means “measured together”. An object is said to be symmetric if one part (e.g. one side) of it is the same as all of the other parts.

Symmetry is a  geometrical property of the world in which we live. In nature many type of flowers and plants, insects, certain fruits vegetables and various microscopic organism exhibit  symmetry.

Symmetry concepts are extremely useful in Chemistry. On the basis of symmetry we can predict infrared spectra, predict the optical activity and interpret electronic spectra and study of molecular properties. Symmetry helps us understand molecular structure, some chemical properties, and physical properties.

Symmetry Operations and Symmetry Elements

A symmetry operation is an operation on a body such that, after the operation has been carried out, the result is indistinguishable from the original body. ie, A symmetry operation is the action that produces an object identical to the initial object.

Elements of symmetry offer a simple device to decide whether a molecule is chiral or achiral, i.e., whether it is superimposable on its mirror image or not.