Chapter 5, Problem 1PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The chirality of the given objects is to be discussed.

Concept introduction:

The objects that are nonsuperimposable or not identical with their mirror images are known as chiral objects.

The objects that are superimposable with their mirror images are achiral objects. These objects have a centre of symmetry or plane of symmetry.

Answer to Problem 1PP

Solution:

a) Achiral

b) Achiral

c) Chiral

d) Chiral

e) Chiral

f) Achiral

g) Chiral

h) Achiral

Explanation of Solution

a) A screwdriver

A screwdriver is an achiral object as it forms superimposable mirror images. A screwdriver has a plane of symmetry passing through its longitudinal axis. This makes it a symmetric object, superimposable with its mirror images, which makes it achiral.

So, a screwdriver is an achiral object.

b) A baseball bat

A baseball bat is an achiral object as it has a plane of symmetry, which makes it a symmetric object, superimposable with its mirror images. It forms superimposable mirror image due to which it is said to be an achiral object.

So, a baseball bat is an achiral object.

c) A golf club

A golf club is a chiral object because the mirror images of a golf club are non-superimposable due to which it is asymmetric and hence, shows chirality.

So, a golf club is a chiral object.

d) A tennis shoe

A tennis shoe is a chiral object as it shows asymmetric behaviour. The mirror images of a tennis shoe are non-superimposable on the original image due to its curvature toward the tip of the shoe, which makes it asymmetrical and hence, shows chirality.

So, a tennis shoe is a chiral object.

e) An ear

An ear is a chiral object because the mirror images of an ear are nonsuperimposable on the original image and are not identical with its mirror image, due to which it is asymmetric and hence, shows chirality.

So, an ear is a chiral object.

f) A woodscrew

A woodscrew is an achiral object as it shows symmetry. The mirror image of a woodscrew is superimposable on the original image along an axis of symmetry, due to which it is a symmetric molecule and hence shows an achirality.

So, a woodscrew is an achiral object.

g) A car

A car consists of many objects, such as two front seats, a dashboard, and a steering wheel. A car is a chiral object because the mirror images of these interiors are nonsuperimposable on the original image and not identical with their mirror image, due to which a car is asymmetric and hence shows chirality.

So, a car is a chiral object

IF considering only the outer morphology of the car, it is symmetric along an axis, superimposing its mirror image and making it an achiral molecule.

h) A hammer

Superimposable mirror images are formed by a hammer. A hammer has a plane of symmetry, which makes it a symmetric object. Also, it is superimposable with its mirror images, which makes it achiral.

So, a hammer is an achiral object.