Find Out the Symmetry of Polonium Unit Cell

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the symmetry of the unit cell in the solid-state structure of polonium in inorganic chemistry. The initial inquiry seeks clarification on what is meant by the symmetry of the unit cell, highlighting confusion about the question's intent. A response emphasizes that the choice of unit cell can be somewhat arbitrary, as long as it can be translated to span the entire crystal while containing one atom. It notes that certain unit cells, particularly cubic cells, exhibit higher symmetry. The conversation suggests that if the unit cell were treated as a molecule, one could determine its point group, prompting further exploration of the symmetry characteristics of polonium's structure.
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For inorganic chemistry, I am being asked to draw the solid state structure of polonium which i know how to do. However it asks what the symmetry of the unit cell is, and I don't know how to answer. I know what a unit cell is, I'm just not sure what the question means, or what it is looking for. Could anyone help?
Thanks
 
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This question doesn't make much sense, given that you can choose the unit cell almost arbitrarily as long as by repetitive translation, it will span the whole crystal and contain one atom. There are unit cells with a higher symmetry, specifically a cubic cell. If this cell were a molecule, you could determine it's point group. What do you find?
 

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