CHIRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Chiral is an adjective primarily used in the fields of chemistry and physics to describe a specific property of molecules or objects that cannot be superimposed onto their mirror image. It is derived from the Greek word "cheir," meaning hand, which references the fact that hands are chiral objects - left and right hands are mirror images of each other, but they cannot be placed perfectly on top of each other due to their structural differences.
In chemistry, chiral molecules possess distinct arrangements of atoms that cause them to have non-superimposable mirror images. This property is crucial in the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the study of optically active compounds. Chirality influences a molecule's interactions with other molecules, including its biological activity and pharmacological properties.
Chiral objects can also be found in the physical world, such as certain crystals or even subatomic particles. When an object is chiral, it exhibits a lack of symmetry and possesses a unique handedness, resulting in distinguishable properties in relation to its mirror image.
In summary, the term "chiral" pertains to the property of an object or molecule that cannot be fully aligned with its mirror image. This uniqueness gives rise to its significance in various scientific disciplines, such as chemistry and physics, where it affects the behavior and properties of molecules and objects.
Common Misspellings for CHIRAL
Etymology of CHIRAL
The word "chiral" comes from the Greek word "cheir" (χείρ), meaning "hand". It was first introduced in 1894 by Lord Kelvin during a lecture at the Royal Institution in London. The term was coined when discussing some chemical compounds that exhibited different properties when compared as a mirror image to each other, much like a left and right hand. The concept of chirality is widely used today in various scientific disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, and biology.
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