Page 6 Flashcards
What does “superimposable” mean?
A: It refers to objects or molecules that can be perfectly aligned with their mirror image.
What is an example of a superimposable object from everyday life?
A: A sock, as it and its mirror image are identical.
What is the term for a molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image?
A: Achiral.
How do socks illustrate achirality?
A: Socks are identical to their mirror images, making them superimposable.
What is the key characteristic of an achiral molecule?
A: It has a plane of symmetry and no chiral center.
Can an object be achiral but still have a mirror image?
A: Yes, all objects have mirror images, but only achiral objects are identical to their mirror images.
Give an example of a molecule that is achiral.
A: Methane (CH₄), as its symmetry makes it superimposable on its mirror image.
What key property defines achirality in molecules?
A: The presence of a plane of symmetry or the ability to align with a mirror image.
