1.42k likes | 1.69k Views
Symmetry in crystals. Infinitely repeating lattices. An integral number of unit translations along any axis will arrive at an identical point. A unit translation along any axis will arrive at an identical point. The composition of each unit should be identical.
E N D
An integral number of unit translations along any axis will arrive at an identical point.
A unit translation along any axis will arrive at an identical point
The composition of each unit should be identical.
A unit translation parallel to any axis will arrive at an identical point
6-fold 1 6-fold axis
2-fold 1 2-fold axis
2-fold axis 3-fold axis 4-fold axis 6-fold axis
Rotational symmetry Possible: 2, 3, 4, 6 - fold axes
Screw axes: a combination of rotation and translation.
Screw axes: a combination of rotation and translation. 21 screw = 180o rotation + 1/2 cell translation
31 screw = 120o rotation + 1/3 unit translation
Glide plane: a combination of mirror and translational symmetry.
Glide plane: a combination of mirror and translational symmetry. 1/2 unit translation
Given the 7 crystal systems and various symmetry operations, the number of ways a continuously repeating lattice can be formed is limited.
Theoretical studies of the geometries of crystals completed in 1890 demonstrated that there are 230 ways to put together an infinitely repeating lattice.
Unit Cell Space group P1