What is the difference between space and point groups?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between crystallographic point groups and space groups. A crystallographic point group consists of symmetry operations that maintain a fixed point while transforming the positions of atoms within a crystal. Space groups, on the other hand, are formed by combining the 32 crystallographic point groups with the 14 Bravais lattices, resulting in transformations that include translations. The mathematical representation of space groups as (t, φ) illustrates that the point group is derived by removing the translational component, focusing solely on the orthogonal linear operator φ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of crystallography and symmetry operations
  • Familiarity with the 14 Bravais lattices
  • Knowledge of mathematical representations of groups
  • Basic concepts of point groups in crystallography
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the 32 crystallographic point groups in detail
  • Explore the properties and applications of the 14 Bravais lattices
  • Learn about symmetry operations in crystallography
  • Investigate the mathematical framework of group theory as applied to crystallography
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This discussion is beneficial for crystallographers, materials scientists, and students studying solid-state physics who seek to deepen their understanding of symmetry in crystal structures.

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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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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.
 
In mathematical terms, every element of the space group can be written as (t\phi) , where t is a translation and \phi is an orthogonal linear operator. Then, the corresponding element of the point group would be \phi.
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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