What is the definition of an axis of symmetry in a molecule?

 An axis of symmetry in a molecule is a line or a plane that divides the molecule into two or more identical or mirror-image parts. The term "symmetry" refers to the arrangement of atoms or groups of atoms in a molecule that remain unchanged upon rotation or reflection. A molecule with a high degree of symmetry is said to have a high degree of symmetry.

An axis of symmetry is a line or a plane that cuts through a molecule such that the molecule is identical on both sides of the axis. The molecule can be rotated about the axis and the molecule will remain unchanged. It is a property of a molecule that can be determined by its structure. The number of axes of symmetry in a molecule can be determined by analyzing the arrangement of atoms and bonding patterns.

For example, a molecule of methane (CH4) has a tetrahedral shape and is symmetrical around a single axis of symmetry. This axis runs through the center of the molecule and is perpendicular to the plane of the four hydrogen atoms.

It is important to note that molecules can have more than one axis of symmetry. For example, a molecule of water (H2O) has two axes of symmetry; a C2 axis which runs through the oxygen atom and the center of the molecule, and a plane of symmetry which runs through the oxygen atom and the center of the molecule.

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