ASSIGNMENT-3

SOLID STATE PHYSICS- 508

(Symmetry)
Q,1 What is meant by ’Symmetry elements in crystals? Define: Translational, Rotational,
Reflection and Inversion Symmetry.

Q.2 Discuss the various types of symmetry elements and symmetry axes present in a cubic
crystal. Draw a cubic unit cell and Illustrate the orientations of different symmetry
axes (diads, traids and tetraids).

Q.3 Differentiate between continuous translational symmetry and discrete translational

symmetry. Comment on the statement: “a crystal lattice breaks the continuous
translational symmetry of free space.”

Q.4 Show analytically that, in crystallography, a rotation about an axis and through an
angle cannot be a crystal symmetry operation. In other words this rotation is
not compatible with the translational symmetry of the crystal lattice.