Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best explains why chlorophyll appears green in color?
5. Chirality
Chirality
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Which of the following statements best explains why a chiral molecule is optically active?
A
A chiral molecule is always superimposable on its mirror image.
B
A chiral molecule has an equal mixture of enantiomers.
C
A chiral molecule can rotate plane-polarized light.
D
A chiral molecule has a plane of symmetry.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of chirality: A chiral molecule is one that is not superimposable on its mirror image. This is similar to how left and right hands are mirror images but cannot be perfectly aligned on top of each other.
Recognize the property of optical activity: A chiral molecule is optically active, meaning it can rotate the plane of polarized light. This is a key characteristic of chiral molecules.
Evaluate the given statements: Analyze each statement to determine which one correctly describes the property of optical activity in chiral molecules.
Statement analysis: The statement 'A chiral molecule is always superimposable on its mirror image' is incorrect because chiral molecules are defined by their non-superimposability.
Correct statement identification: The statement 'A chiral molecule can rotate plane-polarized light' is correct as it directly describes the optical activity of chiral molecules, which is the ability to rotate plane-polarized light.
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