AMPHICHIRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Amphichiral is an adjective used in mathematics, chemistry, and physics to describe an object or system that possesses a symmetrical structure such that it is indistinguishable from its mirror image. The term derives from the Greek words "amphi," meaning "both" or "on both sides," and "cheir," meaning "hand." A chiral object, on the other hand, displays a lack of mirror symmetry, as it cannot be superimposed onto its mirror image.
In the context of mathematics, amphichiral geometrical figures or polyhedra possess mirror symmetry while also retaining their identity after the mirror image has been applied. They can be rotated, translated, or reflected in space without changing the object's overall appearance. This property is significant in areas such as crystallography and group theory.
In the realm of chemistry, amphichirality refers to molecules that are achiral in one conformation and chiral in another. This aspect has implications for the interaction of such molecules with other chiral compounds, as well as their biological activity.
Moreover, in physics, amphichiral systems or phenomena display the property of symmetry when viewed from both ends or through different perspectives. This term can pertain to diverse areas, like wave-particle duality or certain systems with left-right symmetry, where physical quantities remain invariant.
In summary, amphichiral objects, whether in mathematics, chemistry, or physics, possess the quality of mirror symmetry combined with the ability to maintain their identity after undergoing a mirroring operation or being viewed from multiple perspectives.
Common Misspellings for AMPHICHIRAL
- zmphichiral
- smphichiral
- wmphichiral
- qmphichiral
- anphichiral
- akphichiral
- ajphichiral
- amohichiral
- amlhichiral
- am-hichiral
- am0hichiral
- ampgichiral
- ampbichiral
- ampnichiral
- ampjichiral
- ampuichiral
- ampyichiral
- amphuchiral
- amphjchiral
- amphkchiral
Etymology of AMPHICHIRAL
The word "amphichiral" is derived from combining two Greek roots: "amphi" and "cheir".
The prefix "amphi" translates to "both" or "on both sides" in Greek. It is commonly used to indicate something that has a twofold nature or is capable of occurring in two different ways.
The second root, "cheir", translates to "hand". It is used to refer to the hands or anything related to them.
By combining these two roots, "amphichiral" is formed, which literally means "having both hands". In a broader context, the term is used in mathematics and chemistry to describe an object or molecule that is superimposable on its mirror image, meaning it appears the same when rotated or reflected.
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