This applet models the symmetry operations of the group D3. Click on the C1 box to see the animation for the operation, a 360 degree rotation (which is equivalent to the identity operation).
The C2 is a 2-fold (180 degree) rotation that takes the molecule out of the xy- plane (the plane of the computer screen).
C3 is a 3-fold (120 degree) rotation in the plane. C32 is two consecutive C3 rotations, or one C3 rotation in the clockwise direction.
Note that atoms 1, 2, and 3 are closer to the viewer, and that atoms 4,5, and 6 are "farther" away, with the two orange atoms in between (with respect to the Top View). The top view is done in the form of a "Newman projection".
An example of this point group is ethane (in a conformation somewhat between eclipsed and staggered).
© 2004-2011 by Lawrence T. Sein. All rights reserved.
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