Web-based materials for teaching concepts of molecular symmetry

CHED 744

Dean H. Johnston, djohnston@otterbein.edu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Otterbein College, 1 Otterbein College, Westerville, OH 43081
A variety of web-based materials for teaching concepts of point group symmetry have been developed using the Jmol Java applet with interactive controls. Example molecules are displayed as three-dimensional structures combined with the interactive display of symmetry elements as translucent points, axes and planes. Symmetry operations are demonstrated through animations. Computer visualization of symmetry elements and operations provides unique capabilities with distinct advantages over the manipulation of physical models.