Symmetry Explorer
Visualize molecular point groups, symmetry operations, and character tables. Learn how symmetry determines selection rules.
point groups character tables selection rules representation theory
Bridge the gap between abstract group theory and practical spectroscopy. See symmetry operations animate in 3D and understand why certain vibrational modes are observable while others are “silent.”
What You’ll Learn
- Why CO2 has IR-active but Raman-inactive asymmetric stretch
- How the mutual exclusion principle works for centrosymmetric molecules
- What happens to selection rules as molecular symmetry changes
Features
- 3D molecule viewer with symmetry element overlays (axes, planes, inversion center)
- Step-through animated symmetry operations
- Character table display with irreducible representations
- Selection rule calculator (IR, Raman, silent modes)
- Information Completeness Ratio R(G,N) visualization
- Point group identification flowchart