What is the difference between space and point groups?

In summary, a crystallographic point group is a set of symmetry operations that leave a point fixed while moving each atom of the crystal to the position of an atom of the same kind. These point groups, when combined with the 14 Bravais lattices, make up the space groups in three dimensions. Space groups are groups of transformations that map an infinite ideal crystal onto itself, with most elements also shifting the crystal. The point groups are classes of symmetry elements with equivalent effects up to translation, and can be obtained by removing the translation part from the elements of the space group.
  • #1
kompabt
8
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According to wikipedia:
"A crystallographic point group is a set of symmetry operations, like rotations or reflections, that leave a point fixed while moving each atom of the crystal to the position of an atom of the same kind."
"The space groups in three dimensions are made from combinations of the 32 crystallographic point groups with the 14 Bravais lattices."

I don't understand the second part of the last sentence. (WITH the 14 Bravais lattices) And if I combine point groups why won't I also get other point groups?
 
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  • #2
Space groups are all groups of transformations which map an (infinite ideal) crystal onto itself. Most of the elements of this group also shift the crystal (that's the translational part). Now one can consider classes of symmetry elements whose effect is equivalent up to some translation. The symmetry groups spanned by these classes are the point groups.
 
  • #3
In mathematical terms, every element of the space group can be written as (t[tex]\phi[/tex]) , where t is a translation and [tex]\phi[/tex] is an orthogonal linear operator. Then, the corresponding element of the point group would be [tex]\phi[/tex].
So If G is a space group, define the function "remove the translation part", the image of that function is called the point group.
 
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Related to What is the difference between space and point groups?

1. What is the difference between space groups and point groups?

Space groups refer to the symmetry operations and arrangements of atoms in a crystal lattice, while point groups refer to the symmetry operations of a single molecule or unit cell.

2. Do space groups and point groups have the same types of symmetry elements?

Yes, both space groups and point groups have the same types of symmetry elements, including rotation, reflection, inversion, and improper rotation.

3. Can a molecule have a different point group symmetry than the crystal lattice it is a part of?

Yes, a molecule can have a different point group symmetry than the crystal lattice it is a part of. This is because the symmetry of a crystal is determined by the arrangement of multiple molecules, while the symmetry of a single molecule is determined by its own structure.

4. Is it possible for a crystal to have multiple space groups?

Yes, it is possible for a crystal to have multiple space groups. This can occur in cases of twinning, where two or more crystals grow together with different orientations and therefore have different space groups.

5. Can space groups and point groups be used to predict the physical properties of a material?

Yes, space groups and point groups can be used to predict the physical properties of a material, such as its optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. This is because the symmetry of a material can determine how it will interact with different types of energy or fields.

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