Chemical Essay Sample

The Symmetry in Molecules

Introduction

Symmetry refers to the proportionate similarity in the sides or halves of an object. If an object is symmetrical, then a part of it must mirror the other part or half and vice versa. Symmetry can be easily observed at the macro level in objects such as leaves but it can also be seen in the tiny molecules that make up everything on earth including the human body. Often, the concept of it may be difficult to grasp especially when we do not see the molecules through the naked eye. However, the truth is that the symmetry really does exist and it is responsible for both the structure and properties of molecules as well as that of the objects or substances where these molecules may be found. 

The most important concepts

Two of the most important concepts to understand when talking about molecular symmetry are “symmetry elements” and “symmetry operations.” A symmetry element is defined as a point, a plane, or a line about which a symmetry operation may be done. A symmetry operation is a rotation or reflection which produces an image or structure that is similar to the original. For example, a molecule of water that is rotated at around 180° at an axis that passes through the central atom of oxygen will produce an image that is indistinguishable from the original. 

Bilateral and rotational symmetry

In molecules, bilateral and rotational symmetry are often observed. Bilateral symmetry is pretty straightforward. It occurs when two halves of a molecule mirror each other. Rotational symmetry is observed when an object is rotated around its axis and it appears in the same position several times during a revolution. It may be two-fold, three-fold and so on. Other molecules exhibit polyhedral molecular shapes, which exhibit a more complicated form of symmetry (Hargittai and Hargittai 818).

The effect of symmetry on a molecule

As previously mentioned, the symmetry of a molecule greatly affects its properties. For example, symmetrical molecules with a crystalline form require higher temperatures in order to melt. They also tend to be less soluble in comparison to molecules that are less symmetrical (Pinal 2692). Molecular symmetry can also have an effect on the electron density distribution in molecules as well as intermolecular arrangements (Li et al. 50212). 

Conclusion

Symmetry is a highly essential concept in the field of chemistry. Often it is overlooked or not given the recognition it deserves when in fact it is responsible for just about all aspects of a certain substance, from its boiling point to the kinds of chemical bonds that it may contain. In other words, symmetry makes molecules and the objects wherein these molecules are found the way they are, which is why it is important to know how molecular symmetry occurs as well as its consequences. 

WORKS CITED

Hargittai, Magdolna, and István Hargittai. “Symmetry in Chemistry and Beyond.” Current Science, vol. 73, no. 10, 1997, pp. 818–829. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/24100719. Accessed 2 February 2021. 

Li, Ping, et al. “Electronic and Charge Transport Properties of Dimers of Dithienothiophenes: Effect of Structural Symmetry and Linking Mode.” RSC Advances, vol. 5, no. 62, 2015, pp. 50212–22. Crossref, doi:10.1039/c5ra07946b. Accessed 2 February 2021. 

Pinal, Rodolfo. “Effect of molecular symmetry on melting temperature and solubility.” Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry, vol. 2, no. 18, 2004, pp. 2692-9. doi:10.1039/B407105K. Accessed 2 February 2021. 

 How to Write a Chemical Essay

When you write an essay in chemistry, use our tips:

1. Read the assignment carefully. Think about what problem you should talk about and what you can write about its solution.
2. After that, highlight the main idea or question on which you want to express your thoughts. This will be your thesis that needs to be proven.
3. Think about what arguments you can make to prove your thesis. These can be examples from chemistry, statements of great chemists, or your own thoughts.
4. At the end, be sure to draw conclusions. Show that you have proven your point and briefly repeat all your arguments. And remember that you should never give new information in this part.
5. Check your chemistry essay for errors and that you’ve presented everything in a logical order. If possible, read the essay out loud.

Essay on Chemistry Requirements

There are no special requirements for chemistry essays. It is important that:

1. The author of the paper does not deviate from the topic.
2. The essay is short. Stick to the length indicated by the teacher.
3. The essay is unique. An essay must reflect the student’s thoughts; you cannot take someone else’s paper and submit it as your own.
4. The essay has a composition: introduction, body, and conclusion.
5. The essay is perceived as a single whole. All parts and sentences in an essay should be connected by an idea.

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