GROUP THEORY TUTORIAL QUESTIONS

[Link] does group theory provide in chemistry?

a) A way to name molecular shapes
b) The mathematical language of symmetry that transforms qualitative
observations into predictive frameworks
c) A method to calculate molecular weights
d) A technique for synthesizing new compounds

2. What fundamental insight does group theory teach us about

symmetry?
a) Symmetry is only about molecular aesthetics
b) Symmetry determines molecular color but nothing else
c) Symmetry creates constraints and predictions for wavefunctions, energy
levels, and transition probabilities
d) Symmetry only applies to crystals, not molecules

3. Who first developed the foundations of group theory in 1832?

a) Robert Woodward
b) Hans Bethe
c) F. Albert Cotton
d) Évariste Galois

4. Which scientist applied group theory to develop crystal field

theory, explaining colors of transition metal complexes?
a) Roald Hoffmann
b) Hans Bethe
c) Évariste Galois
d) F. Albert Cotton

5. In IR spectroscopy, a vibration is active only if:

a) It has high frequency
b) It involves heavy atoms
c) It transforms like the dipole moment operator (x, y, or z components)
d) It is symmetric

6. According to the notes, how much faster might a quantum

chemical calculation run when symmetry is properly utilized?
a) 2-5 times faster
b) 10-100 times faster
c) 100-1000 times faster
d) The same speed regardless of symmetry

1
7. Who formulated the orbital symmetry rules for pericyclic
reactions in 1965, earning a Nobel Prize?
a) Hans Bethe and Évariste Galois
b) Robert Woodward and Roald Hoffmann
c) F. Albert Cotton and Linus Pauling
d) Max Born and Robert Mulliken

8. What does group theory help identify in X-ray diffraction

patterns?
a) Crystal color
b) Molecular weight
c) Systematic absences that fingerprint specific space groups
d) Bond lengths only

9. How many space groups classify crystal structures according to

the notes?
a) 32
b) 48
c) 120
d) 230

10. F. Albert Cotton's 1963 textbook was significant because it:

a) Discovered new symmetry elements
b) Made group theory accessible to chemists worldwide
c) Won the Nobel Prize
d) First described molecular symmetry

11. What does the axiom of closure mean for a molecule's symmetry
operations?
a) All operations must be performed in a closed room
b) Performing any two symmetry operations in sequence must result in
another symmetry operation already in the group
c) Operations can only be performed once
d) The molecule must be a closed shape

12. For ammonia (NH₃, C₃ᵥ), what is the result of σᵥ ∘ C₃?

a) C₃²
b) E
c) σᵥ'
d) A new operation not in C₃ᵥ

13. The associativity axiom in group theory means:

a) All operations must be associated with numbers
b) The grouping of operations doesn't matter when applying them to atomic
coordinates
c) Operations must be performed in alphabetical order
d) Only certain operations can be associated

2
14. What does the identity element E represent chemically?
a) The most important symmetry operation
b) The molecule's equilibrium geometry and reference structure
c) A 180° rotation
d) A reflection through a mirror plane

15. Even chiral molecules like bromochlorofluoromethane have at

least which symmetry operation?
a) C₂ rotation
b) σ reflection
c) E (identity)
d) i (inversion)

16. For a reflection σ through a mirror plane, what is its inverse?

a) C₂
b) σ itself
c) i
d) E

17. What type of operations are called "involutions" because they

are their own inverses?
a) Rotations only
b) Reflections and inversion
c) Only C₄ rotations
d) Translations

18. In quantum mechanics, symmetry operators are represented by

what type of matrices?
a) Diagonal matrices
b) Singular matrices
c) Unitary matrices (U†U = I)
d) Random matrices

19. The multiplication table for water (C₂ᵥ) is symmetric about the
main diagonal, indicating that:
a) Water is not symmetric
b) The group is Abelian (commutative)
c) The group has no identity
d) Water has degenerate vibrations

20. In C₃ᵥ, why is σᵥC₃ ≠ C₃σᵥ?

a) Because ammonia is not symmetric
b) Because C₃ᵥ is non-Abelian, leading to non-commutativity
c) Because σᵥ doesn't exist
d) Because C₃ is not a valid operation

3
21. The order of a group, denoted |G|, is defined as:
a) The number of atoms in the molecule
b) The total number of distinct symmetry operations in the group
c) The molecular weight divided by symmetry
d) The number of mirror planes

22. What is the order of the group for water (C₂ᵥ)?

a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6

23. For methane (Tₑ), the group order is:

a) 6
b) 12
c) 24
d) 48

24. For a C₄ rotation in square planar complexes, what is the

element order?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6

25. Lagrange's theorem states that for a finite group G and

subgroup H:
a) |G| = |H| × [G:H]
b) |G| = |H| + [G:H]
c) |G| = |H| - [G:H]
d) |G| = |H| ÷ [G:H]

26. In benzene (D₆ₕ, |G| = 24), the number of equivalent carbon

atoms is:
a) 4
b) 6
c) 8
d) 12

27. In a cubic space group of order 48, which site multiplicity would
be impossible?
a) 4
b) 6
c) 5
d) 8

4
28. A subgroup H of a group G is defined as:
a) Any subset of G
b) A subset of symmetry operations that themselves form a group under the
same composition operation
c) Only the identity element
d) Only the rotations in G

29. In C₃ᵥ, taking the rotational subgroup H = C₃ = {E, C₃, C₃²}, the
left coset σH equals:
a) {E, C₃, C₃²}
b) {σ, σC₃, σC₃²} which equals all three reflections
c) {σ only}
d) An empty set

30. A normal subgroup N of G must satisfy which condition?

a) N contains only rotations
b) For all g ∈ G and n ∈ N, gng⁻¹ ∈ N
c) N is Abelian
d) N has order 2

31. Which of the following is an example of an infinite symmetry

group?
a) C₂ᵥ (water)
b) C₃ᵥ (ammonia)
c) SO(3) - the full rotation group
d) Tₑ (methane)

32. A free atom like hydrogen has spherical symmetry, which

explains why:
a) It has only one electron
b) Atomic orbitals come in degenerate sets (s, p, d, etc.)
c) It is the lightest element
d) It forms diatomic molecules

33. All cyclic groups Cₙ, C₂ᵥ, and Cₙₕ are examples of:
a) Non-Abelian groups
b) Abelian groups
c) Infinite groups
d) Space groups

34. The key chemical property of Abelian groups is:

a) They always have degenerate vibrations
b) All their irreducible representations are one-dimensional
c) They have no symmetry operations
d) They only apply to linear molecules

5
35. Non-Abelian groups like C₃ᵥ, Tₑ, and Oₕ have irreducible
representations of dimension:
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Greater than 1 (2D, 3D, etc.)
d) Only 3

36. In methane (Tₑ), vibrations transform as which types of

irreducible representations?
a) Only A₁
b) A₁, E (doubly degenerate), and T₂ (triply degenerate)
c) Only T₂
d) Only A and B

37. For a C₄ rotation in square planar [PtCl₄]²⁻, what is the character

(trace) when acting on p-orbitals (pₓ, pᵧ, p_z)?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3

38. Using the character table of Oₕ, the five d-orbitals decompose
into:
a) Five non-degenerate orbitals
b) e_g ⊕ t₂g
c) t₂g only
d) e_g only

39. Which set of d-orbitals forms the eg set in octahedral

complexes?
a) dxy, dxz, dyz
b) dₓ²₋ᵧ² and dz²
c) All five d-orbitals
d) dz² only

40. The energy gap between eg and t₂g sets in octahedral complexes
is denoted:
a) ΔE
b) 10Dq
c) hν
d) kT

41. In vibrational analysis of formaldehyde (H₂CO, C₂ᵥ), the two C-H

stretches together form a reducible representation that reduces to:
a) A₁ only
b) B₂ only

6
c) A₁ + B₂
d) A₂ + B₁

42. Symmetry adaptation in vibrational analysis block-diagonalizes

the Hamiltonian, which means:
a) The Hamiltonian becomes larger
b) Each block corresponds to a particular irreducible representation, reducing
computational effort
c) The Hamiltonian disappears
d) All vibrations have the same frequency

43. In BH₃ (D₃ₕ symmetry), the boron 2pz orbital transforms as which
irreducible representation?
a) A₁'
b) E'
c) A₂"
d) E"

44. In BH₃, which boron orbital has no matching hydrogen SALC of

the same symmetry, remaining non-bonding?
a) 2s
b) 2px
c) 2py
d) 2pz

45. Bloch's theorem states that electronic wavefunctions in a

periodic potential can be written as:
a) ψ(r) = constant
b) ψ_k(r) = e{ik·r}u_k(r) where u_k(r) has lattice periodicity
c) ψ(r) = sin(kr)
d) ψ(r) = e{-ar}

46. The little group G_k is defined as:

a) The full space group
b) The subgroup of the space group that leaves k invariant modulo reciprocal
lattice vectors
c) Only the identity operation
d) The point group of the molecule

47. At the Γ point (center) of a simple cubic Brillouin zone, what

symmetry does it have?
a) D₄h
b) D₂h
c) O_h
d) C₄ᵥ

7
48. At the X point (π/a,0,0) in a simple cubic lattice, the symmetry
is:
a) O_h
b) D₄h
c) D₂h
d) C₃ᵥ

49. Recent advances in topological quantum chemistry have shown

that all possible band structures can be constructed from:
a) Atomic orbitals only
b) Elementary band representations (EBRs)
c) Free electron models
d) Perturbation theory

50. In solid-state applications, how many distinct combinations of

point group operations with translational symmetry exist?
a) 32
b) 48
c) 120
d) 230

51. Which of the following is NOT a symmetry operation found in

molecules?
a) Rotation (Cₙ)
b) Reflection (σ)
c) Translation (T)
d) Inversion (i)

52. In a square planar complex like [PtCl₄]²⁻, what is the result of

performing C₄⁴?
a) C₂
b) σ
c) E (identity)
d) C₄³

53. A proper rotation axis of order n is denoted Cₙ, where n

represents:
a) The number of atoms on the axis
b) 360°/rotation angle
c) The molecular weight
d) The number of mirror planes

54. Which molecule possesses an improper rotation axis S₄?

a) Water (H₂O)
b) Methane (CH₄) in tetrahedral geometry
c) Ammonia (NH₃)
d) Hydrogen chloride (HCl)

8
55. The inversion operation i sends a point (x, y, z) to:
a) (x, y, -z)
b) (-x, -y, -z)
c) (x, -y, z)
d) (-x, y, -z)

56. Which of the following molecules has a center of inversion?

a) NH₃
b) CH₄
c) C₆H₆ (benzene)
d) H₂O

57. A horizontal mirror plane σₕ is defined as:

a) A plane containing the principal axis
b) A plane perpendicular to the principal axis
c) A plane that bisects bond angles
d) A plane that contains the most atoms

58. Vertical mirror planes σᵥ contain:

a) Only hydrogen atoms
b) The principal axis
c) Only carbon atoms
d) No symmetry elements

59. Dihedral mirror planes σ_d:

a) Are perpendicular to the principal axis
b) Contain the principal axis and bisect the angles between C₂ axes
c) Are found only in linear molecules
d) Do not exist in molecular symmetry

60. The symmetry element corresponding to the operation Sₙ is:

a) A simple rotation axis
b) A mirror plane
c) An improper rotation axis (rotation-reflection axis)
d) A center of inversion

61. What is the point group of trans-dichloroethylene?

a) C₂ᵥ
b) C₂ₕ
c) D₂ₕ
d) D∞ₕ

62. The point group of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in its skew

conformation is:
a) C₂
b) C₂ᵥ

9
c) Cₛ
d) D∞ₕ

63. Which point group has the highest order among the following?
a) Oₕ
b) Tₑ
c) Iₕ
d) D₆ₕ

64. Boron trifluoride (BF₃) belongs to which point group?

a) C₃ᵥ
b) D₃ₕ
c) D₃
d) C₃ₕ

65. Allene (C₃H₄) in its proper geometry belongs to which point

group?
a) D₂d
b) D₃ₕ
c) C₂ᵥ
d) Tₑ

66. The point group of a perfectly octahedral complex like

[Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺ is:
a) Tₑ
b) O
c) Oₕ
d) D₄ₕ

67. Naphthalene (C₁₀H₈) belongs to which point group?

a) C₂ᵥ
b) D₂ₕ
c) D₆ₕ
d) C₆ᵥ

68. A molecule with only a center of inversion and no other

symmetry elements belongs to point group:
a) C₁
b) Cᵢ
c) Cₛ
d) C₂

69. The point group of a perfect tetrahedron (like CH₄) is:

a) T
b) Tₕ
c) Tₑ
d) Oₕ

10
70. Which point group does NOT have a principal axis of rotation?
a) C₃ᵥ
b) Tₑ
c) Cₛ
d) D₃ₕ

71. In a character table, the totally symmetric representation is

always labeled:
a) A, A₁, or A'
b) B
c) E
d) T

72. The number of irreducible representations in a point group

equals:
a) The order of the group
b) The number of classes in the group
c) The number of symmetry elements
d) The molecular weight

73. In the C₂ᵥ character table, how many irreducible representations

are there?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 6

74. The direct product of two irreducible representations:

a) Is always irreducible
b) Can be decomposed into a sum of irreducible representations
c) Is always the totally symmetric representation
d) Has no meaning in group theory

75. For a transition to be allowed in electronic spectroscopy, the

direct product Γ(ψᵢ) ⊗ Γ(μ) ⊗ Γ(ψⱼ) must:
a) Be zero
b) Contain the totally symmetric representation
c) Contain only E representations
d) Have dimension greater than 1

76. In the Oₕ character table, the T₁u representation has dimension:

a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

11
77. The character of the identity operation E in any representation
equals:
a) 0
b) 1
c) The dimension of the representation
d) The number of symmetry operations

78. In the D₃ₕ character table, the E' and E'' representations are:
a) One-dimensional
b) Two-dimensional
c) Three-dimensional
d) Four-dimensional

79. The orthogonality theorem for characters states that:

a) All characters are orthogonal to each other
b) The sum over classes of χᵢ(R)χⱼ(R)* times class size equals hδᵢⱼ
c) Characters must be integers
d) Characters are always positive

80. In the reduction formula nᵢ = (1/h) Σgₖ χᵢ(Rₖ) χ(Rₖ)*, h

represents:
a) The number of atoms
b) The order of the group
c) Planck's constant
d) The highest rotation order

81. In constructing SALCs for ammonia (NH₃, C₃ᵥ), the three

hydrogen 1s orbitals form which irreducible representations?
a) A₁ + E
b) A₁ + A₂
c) E only
d) A₁ only

82. In an octahedral complex, the metal d orbitals split into:

a) t₂g (lower) and e_g (higher)
b) e_g (lower) and t₂g (higher)
c) All degenerate
d) a₁g and t₁u

83. The projection operator technique is used to:

a) Calculate bond lengths
b) Generate symmetry-adapted linear combinations from atomic orbitals
c) Determine molecular weight
d) Predict reaction rates

84. In ferrocene (D₅ₕ), the cyclopentadienyl rings form molecular

orbitals that transform as:

12
a) Only A representations
b) A + E₁ + E₂
c) Only E representations
d) T representations

85. Which d orbitals form the t₂g set in octahedral symmetry?

a) dₓ²₋ᵧ², d_z²
b) dxy, dxz, dyz
c) All five d orbitals
d) dz² only

86. In tetrahedral symmetry (Tₑ), the d orbitals split into:

a) e + t₂
b) t₂g + e_g
c) All degenerate
d) a₁ + t₁

87. The e set in tetrahedral symmetry corresponds to which d

orbitals?
a) dxy, dxz, dyz
b) dₓ²₋ᵧ², dz²
c) All five
d) d_z² only

88. In square planar complexes (D₄ₕ), the d-orbital splitting pattern

(from lowest to highest) is:
a) dxy, dxz,yz, dz², dₓ²₋ᵧ²
b) All degenerate
c) dz², dxy, dxz,yz, dₓ²₋ᵧ²
d) dₓ²₋ᵧ², d_xy, dxz,yz, dz²

89. The ligand field stabilization energy (LFSE) for a d⁶ low-spin

octahedral complex is:
a) -4 Dq
b) -12 Dq + P
c) -24 Dq + 2P
d) 0 Dq

90. Which molecular orbital in BH₃ is non-bonding?

a) The combination of B 2s with H SALC
b) The combination of B 2px,2py with H SALC
c) The B 2pz orbital
d) The antibonding combination of B 2s

91. A linear triatomic molecule like CO₂ has how many vibrational
modes?
a) 3

13
b) 4
c) 5
d) 6

92. In IR spectroscopy, which vibrational modes are active?

a) Only symmetric stretches
b) Modes that transform as x, y, or z (like the dipole moment components)
c) Only bending modes
d) All vibrational modes regardless of symmetry

93. In Raman spectroscopy, which vibrational modes are active?

a) Modes that transform as x, y, or z
b) Modes that transform as quadratic functions (x², y², z², xy, xz, yz)
c) Only totally symmetric modes
d) All modes are Raman active

94. For water (C₂ᵥ), how many IR-active vibrational modes are
predicted?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

95. The mutual exclusion principle states that in centrosymmetric

molecules:
a) All vibrations are both IR and Raman active
b) No vibrations are active in either IR or Raman
c) Modes active in IR are inactive in Raman, and vice versa
d) Only bending modes are active

96. Carbon dioxide (CO₂, D∞ₕ) has how many IR-active bands?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4

97. The bending mode of CO₂ is:

a) IR-inactive, Raman-active
b) IR-active, Raman-inactive
c) Doubly degenerate and IR-active
d) Non-degenerate and IR-inactive

98. In ammonia (C₃ᵥ), the number of vibrational modes is:

a) 3
b) 4
c) 6
d) 12

14
 In ammonia (C₃ᵥ), which vibrational modes are doubly degenerate?
a) The symmetric stretch
b) The symmetric bend
c) The asymmetric stretches
d) All modes

99. The number of vibrational modes for a nonlinear molecule with N

atoms is:
a) 3N
b) 3N-5
c) 3N-6
d) N-1

100. In formaldehyde (H₂CO), the C=O stretch transforms as which

irreducible representation in C₂ᵥ?
a) A₁
b) A₂
c) B₁
d) B₂

101. The selection rule for electric dipole transitions requires that:
a) ΔS = 0
b) ΔL = 0
c) The transition moment integral ⟨ψᵢ|μ|ψⱼ⟩ ≠ 0
d) The molecules must be symmetric

102. According to the closure axiom, when any two symmetry

operations of a molecule are performed in sequence, the result must
be:
a) A new symmetry operation not previously in the set
b) Another symmetry operation that already belongs to the molecule's
symmetry group
c) Always the identity operation
d) A reflection operation regardless of the original operations

103. For ammonia (NH₃, C₃ᵥ), if we perform σᵥ followed by C₃ (σᵥ

∘C₃), the result is:
a) C₃²
b) σᵥ'
c) E
d) A new operation not in C₃ᵥ

104. The closure axiom ensures that the set of symmetry operations
is:
a) Infinite and unbounded
b) Complete and self-contained

15
c) Randomly organized
d) Dependent on external conditions

105. In quantum mechanics, if ψ is an eigenfunction of the

Hamiltonian with energy E, and R is a symmetry operation, then Rψ
is:
a) Always zero
b) An eigenfunction with a different energy
c) An eigenfunction with the same energy E
d) Not necessarily an eigenfunction

[Link] Hamiltonian operator Ĥ commutes with:

a) Only the identity operation
b) All symmetry operations of the molecule
c) Only rotation operations
d) Only reflection operations

107. If a set of operations fails the closure test, it means:

a) The set forms a valid group
b) Combining two operations yields an operation outside the original set
c) The identity is always present
d) All operations are their own inverses

108. For the water molecule (C₂ᵥ), which of the following

combinations demonstrates closure?
a) C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) = a completely new operation
b) C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) = σᵥ'(yz)
c) C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) = E
d) C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) = C₂

109. The closure property is essential for understanding degeneracy

because:
a) It creates new energy levels
b) Applying multiple symmetry operations to a wavefunction keeps it in the
space of eigenfunctions with the same energy
c) It destroys wavefunction symmetry
d) It prevents any symmetry operations from existing

[Link] the C₃ᵥ point group, the product σᵥ ∘ C₃² equals:

a) C₃
b) σᵥ''
c) E
d) σᵥ
[Link] a molecule has symmetry operations {E, C₂, σᵥ, σᵥ'} and C₂ ∘
σᵥ = σᵥ', this demonstrates:
a) Failure of closure

16
b) The need for more operations
c) Successful closure
d) That σᵥ' is unnecessary

112. The mathematical expression for closure in a group G is:

a) For all a, b in G, a ∘ b = b ∘ a
b) For all a, b in G, a ∘ b is also in G
c) There exists e in G such that a ∘ e = a
d) For every a in G, there exists a⁻¹ in G

113. In quantum mechanics, the space of eigenfunctions with energy

E is:
a) Closed under symmetry operations
b) Open to mixing with other energies
c) Unaffected by symmetry
d) Always one-dimensional

114. For a molecule with only C₃ rotation symmetry, closure requires

that:
a) C₃ ∘ C₃ = C₃² must be in the set
b) Reflections must also be present
c) The set must have at least six operations
d) Inversions must be included

115. The closure axiom guarantees that a group multiplication table:

a) Has empty cells
b) Contains only entries that are elements of the group
c) Is never complete
d) Has all entries equal to the identity

116. In the point group D₃ₕ, if we combine a C₃ rotation with a σₕ

reflection, the result must be:
a) An operation already in D₃ₕ
b) An operation outside D₃ₕ
c) Always the identity
d) Impossible to determine

117. The chemical significance of closure is that:

a) Molecules can have infinite symmetry operations
b) The set of symmetry operations forms a mathematically consistent
framework
c) Symmetry operations can be invented arbitrarily
d) Only rotations are important

118. If ψ₁ and ψ₂ are degenerate eigenfunctions, then Rψ₁ can be

expressed as:

17
a) A completely new function unrelated to ψ₂
b) A linear combination of the degenerate set
c) Always zero
d) Only ψ₁ itself

119. For methane (Tₑ), closure implies that combining any two of its
24 operations yields:
a) An operation from a different point group
b) Another operation from the Tₑ set
c) Always a rotation
d) Always a reflection

120. The failure of closure would indicate that:

A) The set of operations is not a group
B) The set of operations forms a valid group
C) The identity operation is missing
D) All operations commute
121. In the C₂ᵥ point group, the product σᵥ(xz) ∘ σᵥ'(yz) equals:
a) E
b) C₂
c) σᵥ(xz)
d) σᵥ'(yz)
122. Closure ensures that symmetry-adapted linear combinations of
atomic orbitals:
a) Lose their symmetry properties when combined
b) Transform among themselves under symmetry operations
c) Cannot be constructed
d) Are always orthogonal
123. For a molecule with point group C₃ᵥ, how many distinct products
must be checked to verify closure for all operation pairs?
a) 6
b) 12
c) 36
d) 6!
124. The closure property is analogous to which mathematical
concept?
a) Commutativity
b) The set being closed under a binary operation
c) Associativity
d) Distributivity
125. If a set of operations {E, C₂} fails to include C₂ ∘ C₂ = E, what is missing?
a) Nothing—this demonstrates closure
b) The operation C₂ ∘ C₂ is already E, which is present
c) A new rotation operation
d) A reflection operation

18
126. In character tables, closure is reflected in the fact that:
a) The product of any two irreducible representations decomposes into a
sum of irreducible representations of the group
b) Characters can be any number
c) Only one irreducible representation exists
d) All characters are real
127. For benzene (D₆ₕ), closure requires that C₆ ∘ C₆ must be:
a) C₃
b) C₆² (which is C₃)
c) E
d) σₕ
128. The closure axiom is essential for constructing:
a) Only rotational symmetry
b) Group multiplication tables
c) Only reflection symmetry
d) Only the identity
129. If a symmetry operation R applied to a molecular orbital φ produces a
function that cannot be expressed as a linear combination of the basis set,
this indicates:
a) Successful group theory application
b) The basis set is not closed under the symmetry operations
c) R is not a valid symmetry operation
d) The molecule has infinite symmetry
130. In the point group C₄ᵥ, the product C₄ ∘ σᵥ yields:

b) Another operation in C₄ᵥ (typically σ𝒹)

a) Always σᵥ

c) C₄²
d) E
131. The closure property allows chemists to:
a) Ignore symmetry in calculations
b) Predict that any sequence of symmetry operations leads to an operation
already in the group
c) Create new symmetry operations arbitrarily
d) Eliminate the need for character tables
132. Associativity means that for symmetry operations R, S, and T:
a) R ∘ S = S ∘ R
b) (R ∘ S) ∘ T = R ∘ (S ∘ T)
c) R ∘ R = E
d) R ∘ E = R
133. Why is associativity automatically satisfied for symmetry operations?
a) Because they always commute
b) Because each operation acts on atomic coordinates, and function
composition is associative
c) Because groups are always Abelian
d) Because of the closure property

19
134. For any atom at position rᵢ and symmetry operations R, S, T, [(R ∘ S) ∘
T]rᵢ equals:
a) R(S(T(rᵢ)))
b) (R ∘T)(S(rᵢ))
c) S(R(T(rᵢ)))
d) T(S(R(rᵢ)))
135. Associativity in group theory is important for constructing molecular
orbitals because:
a) It allows us to combine operations without ambiguity
b) It forces all operations to commute
c) It eliminates the need for the identity
d) It only applies to Abelian groups
136. Which of the following is NOT true about associativity?
a) It means the grouping of operations doesn't matter
b) It is automatically true for symmetry operations acting on coordinates
c) It requires that all operations commute with each other
d) It simplifies calculations involving multiple symmetry operations
137. The associative law can be written as:
a) a ∘ b = b ∘ a
b) a ∘ (b ∘ c) = (a ∘ b) ∘ c
c) a ∘ a⁻¹ = e
d) a ∘ e = a
138. In constructing symmetry-adapted linear combinations, associativity
ensures that:
a) The order of applying projection operators is unambiguous
b) All combinations are orthogonal
c) The Hamiltonian is diagonal
d) Degeneracies are lifted
139. For the water molecule, consider operations C₂, σᵥ(xz), and σᵥ'(yz). The
expression (C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz)) ∘ σᵥ'(yz) equals:
a) C₂ ∘ (σᵥ(xz) ∘ σᵥ'(yz))
b) σᵥ(xz) ∘ (C₂ ∘ σᵥ'(yz))
c) (σᵥ(xz) ∘ C₂) ∘ σᵥ'(yz)
d) Any of the above, as long as the order of operations is preserved
140. Associativity is a property of:
a) Only finite groups
b) Only Abelian groups
c) All groups
d) Only cyclic groups
141. The statement "symmetry operations act on coordinates, not on each
other" explains why:
a) Groups are always commutative
b) Associativity holds
c) The identity is unique
d) Inverses always exist

20
142. In quantum mechanics, if Ô₁, Ô₂, and Ô₃ are symmetry operators, then
(Ô₁Ô₂)Ô₃ ψ equals:
a) Ô₁(Ô₂Ô₃) ψ
b) Ô₂(Ô₁Ô₃) ψ
c) Ô₃(Ô₂Ô₁) ψ
d) Only Ô₁Ô₂Ô₃ ψ in that specific order
143. The practical significance of associativity in group multiplication tables is
that:
a) The table must be symmetric
b) We can compute products in any grouping and get consistent results
c) All entries must be on the diagonal
d) Only 2×2 tables are valid
144. For the ammonia molecule, consider (C₃ ∘ σᵥ) ∘ C₃² and C₃ ∘ (σᵥ ∘ C₃²).
Associativity tells us these are:
a) Different operations
b) The same operation
c) Always the identity
d) Not defined
145. Which branch of mathematics guarantees that function composition is
associative?
a) Number theory
b) Set theory and algebra of functions
c) Topology
d) Calculus
146. If symmetry operations were not associative, then:
a) Groups would still be well-defined
b) The result of applying three operations would depend on how we group
them
c) All operations would commute
d) The identity would not exist
147. In constructing character tables, associativity ensures that:
a) Representations are faithful
b) Matrix multiplication of representation matrices is consistent
c) All characters are integers
d) The group is Abelian
148. For any three symmetry operations R, S, T, the expression R ∘ S ∘ T is:
a) Ambiguous without parentheses
b) Well-defined because associativity makes parentheses unnecessary
c) Only defined if the group is cyclic
d) Equal to T ∘ S ∘ R
149. Associativity is inherited from the fact that symmetry operations are:
a) Physical objects
b) Bijective functions on a set
c) Numbers
d) Vectors

21
150. In the context of projection operators for irreducible representations,
associativity allows us to:
a) Apply projection operators in any order and obtain the same result
b) Ignore the character table
c) Use only one-dimensional representations
d) Avoid using symmetry
151. If a set of operations satisfied closure, identity, and inverse properties
but not associativity, it would be called a:
a) Group
b) Quasigroup or loop (not a group)
c) Subgroup
d) Normal subgroup
152. The identity operation E represents:
a) A 90° rotation
b) The "do-nothing" operation that leaves the molecule unchanged
c) A reflection through all planes
d) An inversion through the center
153. Every molecule, including chiral molecules like
bromochlorofluoromethane, has at least:
a) Two symmetry operations
b) The identity operation E
c) A C₂ rotation axis
d) A mirror plane
154. In quantum mechanics, the identity operation corresponds to:
a) A rotation of 180°
b) The identity matrix in any representation
c) A reflection through the origin
d) Complex conjugation of wavefunctions
155. The identity element is unique, meaning:
a) There can be two different identity operations
b) There is exactly one operation E such that E ∘ R = R ∘ E = R for all R
c) Every operation is its own identity
d) The identity is different for each molecule
156. In spectroscopy, the identity element helps determine:
a) The color of the molecule
b) Whether integrals of the form ∫ψᵢ*μψⱼ dτ vanish through symmetry
considerations
c) The molecular weight
d) The bond lengths
157. The totally symmetric representation transforms like:
a) A rotation
b) The identity operation
c) A reflection
d) An inversion
158. If the direct product of the symmetry species of ψᵢ, μ, and ψⱼ does not
contain the totally symmetric representation, then:

22
a) The transition is allowed
b) The transition is forbidden
c) The integral is infinite
d) The wavefunctions are identical
159. For any symmetry operation R, which equation must hold involving the
identity?
a) R ∘ R = E
b) R ∘ E = R
c) R ∘ E = E
d) E ∘ E = R
160. The identity operation is chemically meaningful because it represents:
a) Only mathematical convenience
b) The molecule's equilibrium geometry and reference structure
c) A 360° rotation that changes the molecule
d) An operation that swaps all atoms
161. In the C₂ᵥ point group, which operation leaves all atomic positions
unchanged?
a) C₂
b) σᵥ(xz)
c) σᵥ'(yz)
d) E
162. The identity element in a group is analogous to:
a) Zero in addition (additive identity)
b) A multiplier of 2
c) A negative number
d) An infinite number
163. For a transition to be allowed in UV-Vis spectroscopy, the integrand
ψᵢ*μψⱼ must:
a) Be antisymmetric under all operations
b) Contain the totally symmetric representation
c) Be zero everywhere
d) Transform like a rotation
164. The identity operation E satisfies:
a) E ∘ E = E
b) E ∘ E = C₂
c) E ∘ E = σ
d) E has no inverse
165. In any group multiplication table, the row and column corresponding to
the identity element:
a) Contain only the identity
b) Reproduce the ordering of elements in the heading row and column
c) Are all zeros
d) Are symmetric about the diagonal
166. The existence of an identity element ensures that:
a) Every molecule has at least two symmetry operations
b) Even molecules with no other symmetry still have E

23
c) All groups are infinite
d) Rotations are unnecessary
167. In character tables, the row for the identity operation contains:
a) The characters for each irreducible representation, which equal the
dimensions of the representations
b) All zeros
c) Only complex numbers
d) The inverse of each operation
168. For methane (Tₑ), applying the identity operation to a molecular orbital
yields:
a) A different molecular orbital
b) The same molecular orbital
c) A linear combination of all orbitals
d) Zero
169. The selection rule ∫ψᵢ*μψⱼ dτ ≠ 0 requires that:
a) ψᵢ and ψⱼ have the same symmetry
b) The direct product Γ(ψᵢ) ⊗ Γ(μ) ⊗ Γ(ψⱼ) contains the totally symmetric
representation
c) μ is zero
d) The molecule has no symmetry
170. Which of the following is NOT a property of the identity element?
a) It is unique
b) It commutes with all elements
c) It is its own inverse
d) It has order greater than 1
171. In the point group Cₛ, which contains only E and σ, the identity element:
a) Is the same as σ
b) Is distinct from σ
c) Does not exist
d) Is a rotation
172. For any representation of a group, the character of the identity operation
equals:
a) 0
b) 1
c) The dimension of the representation
d) The order of the group
173. The identity operation in a symmetry group corresponds to:
a) A 360° rotation (which is equivalent to doing nothing)
b) A 180° rotation
c) A reflection followed by a rotation
d) An inversion followed by a reflection
174. In the context of molecular vibrations, the identity operation:
a) Changes all normal modes
b) Leaves all normal modes unchanged
c) Only affects stretching modes
d) Only affects bending modes

24
175. The statement "the identity element is the starting point for all
symmetry transformations" means:
a) All operations begin from the identity configuration
b) The identity is the last operation performed
c) Only the identity is important
d) There is no reference structure
176. For any symmetry operation R, which of the following is true?
a) R ∘ E = R and E ∘ R = R
b) R ∘ E = E and E ∘ R = E
c) R ∘ E = R⁻¹
d) R ∘ E = C₂
177. For every symmetry operation R, there exists another operation R⁻¹ such
that:
a) R ∘ R⁻¹ = C₂
b) R ∘ R⁻¹ = R
c) R ∘ R⁻¹ = E
d) R ∘ R⁻¹ = σ
178. For a reflection operation σ through a mirror plane, the inverse is:
a) C₂
b) σ itself
c) i
d) C₄
179. In a square planar complex like [PtCl₄]²⁻, the inverse of a C₄ rotation (90°
clockwise) is:
a) C₄ again
b) C₄³ (270° clockwise or 90° counterclockwise)
c) C₂
d) σₕ
180. Reflections are called "involutions" because:
a) They are difficult to perform
b) They are their own inverses (σ ∘ σ = E)
c) They involve multiple steps
d) They are not symmetry operations
181. For an inversion operation i through a center of symmetry, i ∘ i equals:
a) C₂
b) σ
c) E
d) C₄
182. In quantum mechanics, symmetry operators are represented by unitary
matrices, meaning:
a) U†U = I (the identity matrix)
b) U†U = 0
c) U = U*
d) det(U) = 0
183. Unitary operators preserve:
a) Bond lengths only

25
b) Probability and maintain orthogonality between states
c) Molecular weight
d) Only rotation angles
184. The inverse of a unitary operator is its:
a) Complex conjugate
b) Adjoint (conjugate transpose)
c) Negative
d) Square
185. For the water molecule, the inverse of C₂ is:
a) σᵥ
b) C₂ itself
c) E
d) σᵥ'
186. In the C₃ᵥ point group, what is the inverse of C₃?
a) C₃ itself
b) C₃²
c) σᵥ
d) E
187. The existence of inverses ensures that symmetry transformations:
a) Change the physical content of wavefunctions
b) Don't change the physical content of wavefunctions—they merely
rearrange them among degenerate sets
c) Create new quantum states
d) Destroy probability
188. For any symmetry operation R, the product R ∘ R⁻¹ yields:
a) A new symmetry operation
b) The identity
c) A reflection
d) A rotation
189. In a group multiplication table, the inverse of an element appears:
a) Only on the diagonal
b) In the same column as the element
c) Such that when the element is multiplied by its inverse, the result is E
d) Only in Abelian groups
190. The order of an element is the smallest positive integer n such that:
a) gⁿ = g
b) gⁿ = E
c) gⁿ = g⁻¹
d) gⁿ = 0
191. For a C₄ rotation, what is the order of the element?
a) 2
b) 4
c) 1
d) 8
192. For any reflection σ, the order is:
a) 1

26
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
193. Lagrange's theorem states that:
a) The order of any subgroup divides the order of the group
b) All groups are Abelian
c) Every element has order 2
d) The identity is not unique
194. In a group of order 24 (like Tₑ), possible element orders include:
a) Only 1 and 2
b) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24
c) Only prime numbers
d) Only even numbers
195. If an element g has order n, then g⁻¹ has order:
a) n²
b) n
c) 1/n
d) 2n
196. In the point group D₃, the inverse of a C₃ rotation is:
a) C₃²
b) C₃ itself
c) C₂
d) σ
197. The statement "every move can be precisely undone" refers to which
axiom?
a) Closure
b) Associativity
c) Identity
d) Inverse
198. For an improper rotation S₄ (rotation by 90° followed by horizontal
reflection), what is the inverse?
a) S₄ itself
b) S₄³
c) C₄
d) σₕ
199. In the C₂ᵥ point group, which elements are their own inverses?
a) Only E
b) E, C₂, σᵥ(xz), and σᵥ'(yz)
c) Only C₂
d) Only the reflections
200. The inverse of a product of two symmetry operations (R ∘ S)⁻¹ is:
a) R⁻¹ ∘ S⁻¹
b) S⁻¹ ∘ R⁻¹
c) R ∘ S
d) E

27
201. If a symmetry operation R has order 3, then R⁻¹ equals:
a) R
b) R²
c) E
d) R³
202. A group multiplication table (Cayley table) provides:
a) Only the order of the group
b) A complete map of how all symmetry operations in a group combine
c) The molecular geometry
d) The bond energies
203. For water (C₂ᵥ), the multiplication table is symmetric about the main
diagonal, indicating that:
a) The group is non-Abelian
b) The group is Abelian (commutative)
c) The group has no identity
d) The group is infinite
204. In C₂ᵥ, C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) equals:
a) C₂
b) σᵥ'(yz)
c) E
d) σᵥ(xz)
205. In C₂ᵥ, σᵥ(xz) ∘ C₂ equals:
a) σᵥ'(yz)—the same as C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz), demonstrating commutativity
b) C₂
c) E
d) A different operation
206. In the C₂ᵥ multiplication table, the diagonal entries (an element
composed with itself) show that:
a) All elements are their own inverses
b) No element is its own inverse
c) Only E is its own inverse
d) Only C₂ is its own inverse
207. For ammonia (C₃ᵥ), σᵥC₃ equals σᵥ' but C₃σᵥ equals σᵥ'', demonstrating
that:
a) C₃ᵥ is Abelian
b) C₃ᵥ is non-Abelian
c) C₃ᵥ has no identity
d) All operations commute
208. Non-commutativity in C₃ᵥ has the chemical consequence of:
a) No degeneracy in molecular orbitals
b) Degeneracy in molecular orbitals and vibrations
c) All orbitals having the same energy
d) No symmetry at all
209. The order of a group, denoted |G|, is:
a) The number of atoms in the molecule
b) The total number of distinct symmetry operations in the group

28
c) The molecular weight
d) The number of bonds
210. For water (C₂ᵥ), |G| equals:
a) 2
b) 4
c) 6
d) 8
211. For ammonia (C₃ᵥ), |G| equals:
a) 3
b) 4
c) 6
d) 12
212. For methane (Tₑ), |G| equals:
a) 6
b) 12
c) 24
d) 48
213. A subgroup H of a group G is:
a) Any subset of G
b) A subset of symmetry operations that themselves form a group under the
same composition operation
c) Always the same as G
d) A set with no identity
214. In C₂ᵥ, which of the following sets forms a subgroup?
a) {E, C₂}
b) {C₂, σᵥ}
c) {σᵥ, σᵥ'}
d) {E, σᵥ, C₂}
215. In C₂ᵥ, the set {E, σᵥ(xz)} is isomorphic to which point group?
a) C₂
b) Cₛ
c) C₂ᵥ
d) D₂
216. For ferrocene in staggered conformation (D₅ₕ), the pure rotational
subgroup is:
a) D₅
b) C₅ᵥ
c) C₅
d) C₅ₕ
217. Subgroups represent symmetries that remain:
a) Only in ideal conditions
b) Under certain conditions, such as if the molecule distorts slightly
c) Never in real molecules
d) Only in the gas phase
218. For BF₃ (D₃ₕ), the subgroup hierarchy predicts:
a) No possible distortions

29
b) Possible distortions to C₃ᵥ, D₃, or C₃ₕ symmetry
c) Only one possible distortion
d) That distortions are impossible
219. Lagrange's theorem relates:
a) Bond lengths to bond angles
b) The order of a subgroup to the order of the group
c) Energy to frequency
d) Mass to symmetry
220. If a group G has order 12, which of the following could NOT be the order
of a subgroup?
a) 3
b) 4
c) 6
d) 5
221. The trivial subgroup of any group consists of:
a) All elements
b) Only the identity element {E}
c) Only rotations
d) Only reflections
222. Using water (C₂ᵥ) as an example, which statement best explains how
the closure axiom is chemically meaningful?

A) Closure requires that all symmetry operations commute with each other
B) Closure means that applying two symmetry operations in sequence
cannot create a "new" symmetry operation not inherent to the molecule
C) Closure guarantees that the identity operation exists in every molecule
D) Closure ensures that every operation has an inverse that is also in the set.

223. When verifying closure for water (C₂ᵥ) with operations {E, C₂, σᵥ(xz),
σᵥ'(yz)}, what does C₂ ∘ σᵥ(xz) equal?

A) E
B) σᵥ'(yz)
C) C₂
D) A new operation not in the set

224. The closure property ensures that the Hamiltonian operator Ĥ

commutes with all symmetry operations, which has what consequence for
eigenfunctions?

A) If ψ is an eigenfunction with energy E, then Rψ has a different energy

B) If ψ is an eigenfunction with energy E, then Rψ is also an eigenfunction
with the same energy E
C) The Hamiltonian must be diagonalized separately for each symmetry
operation
D) Eigenfunctions lose their symmetry properties under operation

30
225. Why does the identity axiom (E) matter chemically, even for molecules
with no apparent symmetry beyond E?

A) Because E is only a mathematical convenience with no physical meaning

B) Because E represents the reference equilibrium geometry and ensures
wavefunctions remain normalized under symmetry transformations
C) Because E is only needed when molecules have rotations
D) Because E determines the color of the molecule

226. For a chiral molecule like bromochlorofluoromethane, what symmetry

operation(s) does it possess?

A) C₂ rotation only
B) E only (the identity)
C) σ reflection only
D) Both E and i (inversion)

227. In quantum mechanics, the identity operation corresponds to what in

any representation?

A) The zero matrix

B) The identity matrix
C) A rotation matrix
D) A reflection matrix

228. Spectroscopically, the totally symmetric representation (which behaves

like E under all operations) governs what?

A) The intensity of all absorption bands

B) Selection rules - transitions are allowed only if the direct product of
wavefunction symmetries contains the totally symmetric representation
C) The frequency of molecular vibrations
D) The bond dissociation energy

229. Compare and contrast the inverse axiom for a C₄ rotation versus a σ
reflection. Which statement is correct?

A) Both C₄ and σ are their own inverses

B) The inverse of C₄ is C₄³, while σ is its own inverse
C) The inverse of C₄ is C₂, while σ has no inverse
D) Both require C₂ to complete the inverse

230. In a square planar complex like [PtCl₄]²⁻, what is the inverse of a C₄

rotation (90° clockwise)?

A) C₄ itself (same operation)

B) C₄³ (270° clockwise or 90° counterclockwise)

31
C) C₂
D) σₕ

231. Reflections are called "involutions" because:

A) They involve multiple steps

B) They are complicated operations
C) They are their own inverses (σ ∘ σ = E)
D) They require inversion centers

232. Using NH₃ (C₃ᵥ), demonstrate why associativity holds physically. Which
reasoning is correct?

A) Because all operations in C₃ᵥ commute with each other

B) Because symmetry operations act on atomic coordinates sequentially, and
the final atom positions are independent of grouping
C) Because the identity operation always exists
D) Because C₃ᵥ is an Abelian group

233. For any atom at position rᵢ and symmetry operations R, S, T, [(R ∘ S) ∘

T]rᵢ equals:

A) R(S(T(rᵢ)))
B) (R ∘ T)(S(rᵢ))
C) S(R(T(rᵢ)))
D) T(S(R(rᵢ)))

234. What is the significance of a group being Abelian versus non-Abelian?

A) Abelian groups have multidimensional irreps; non-Abelian groups have

only 1D irreps
B) Abelian groups have all operations commute, leading to all 1D irreps and
no symmetry-enforced degeneracy; non-Abelian groups have
multidimensional irreps enforcing degeneracy
C) Abelian groups have no identity element
D) Non-Abelian groups cannot be used in spectroscopy

235. Which molecule exhibits non-Abelian symmetry with spectroscopic

consequences?

A) H₂O (C₂ᵥ) - all vibrations non-degenerate

B) NH₃ (C₃ᵥ) - doubly degenerate vibrations (E symmetry)
C) CO₂ (D∞h) - all modes non-degenerate
D) CH₄ (Td) - only non-degenerate modes

236. In C₃ᵥ, σᵥC₃ = σᵥ' but C₃σᵥ = σᵥ'', demonstrating that:

32
A) C₃ᵥ is Abelian
B) C₃ᵥ is non-Abelian
C) All operations in C₃ᵥ commute
D) σᵥ' and σᵥ'' are the same operation

237. What spectroscopic consequence does non-Abelian symmetry have for

ammonia?

A) All vibrational modes are non-degenerate

B) It has doubly degenerate vibrations (E symmetry)
C) It has triply degenerate vibrations
D) No IR activity is observed

238. What is the order of the C₃ᵥ point group for ammonia?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 6
D) 12

239. In a group multiplication table for C₂ᵥ, the symmetric nature about the
main diagonal indicates:

A) The group is non-Abelian

B) The group is Abelian (commutative)
C) The group has no identity
D) The group is cyclic

240. In C₂ᵥ, what does C₂ ∘ C₂ equal, and what does this tell us?

A) C₄; indicates higher symmetry

B) E; indicates C₂ is its own inverse
C) σᵥ; indicates mixing of operations
D) C₂²; indicates a new operation

142. In C₂ᵥ, what does σᵥ(xz) ∘ σᵥ'(yz) equal?

A) E
B) C₂
C) σᵥ(xz)
D) σᵥ'(yz)

143. What is the chemical meaning of the identity element E?

A) It represents a 180° rotation that swaps all atoms

B) It represents the molecule's equilibrium geometry, the starting point for
all symmetry transformations

33
C) It is only needed for mathematical completeness
D) It represents a reflection through all planes

144. For a transition integral ∫ψᵢ*μψⱼ dτ to be non-zero (allowed transition),

what symmetry condition must be satisfied?

A) ψᵢ and ψⱼ must have the same symmetry

B) The direct product Γ(ψᵢ) ⊗ Γ(μ) ⊗ Γ(ψⱼ) must contain the totally symmetric
representation
C) μ must be zero
D) The molecule must have no symmetry

145. What is the difference in inverse properties between a C₃ rotation and a

σ reflection?

A) C₃ has no inverse; σ is its own inverse

B) C₃⁻¹ = C₃², while σ⁻¹ = σ
C) Both are their own inverses
D) C₃⁻¹ = C₃, while σ⁻¹ = E

146. For an inversion operation i through a center of symmetry, what is i ∘ i?

A) C₂
B) σ
C) E
D) S₂

147. In quantum mechanics, symmetry operators are represented by unitary

matrices, meaning:

A) U†U = 0
B) U†U = I (the identity matrix)
C) U = U*
D) det(U) = 0

148. Unitary operators preserve:

A) Only bond lengths

B) Probability and maintain orthogonality between states
C) Molecular weight only
D) Only rotation angles

149. The inverse of a unitary operator is its:

A) Complex conjugate
B) Adjoint (conjugate transpose)
C) Negative
D) Square

34
150. Using Lagrange's theorem, prove why benzene (D₆ₕ) cannot have 5
equivalent carbon atoms.

A) 5 does not divide 24 (the order of D₆ₕ), so the stabilizer subgroup order
would not be an integer
B) Benzene only has 4 equivalent carbons
C) 5 is a prime number, so it cannot divide any group order
D) D₆ₕ has order 12, and 5 does not divide 12

151. For D₆ₕ, |G| = 24. If there were 5 equivalent carbons, what would the
stabilizer subgroup order have to be?

A) 5
B) 4.8 (not an integer), proving 5 equivalent carbons is impossible
C) 6
D) 3

152. What is the actual number of equivalent carbons in benzene, and what
is the stabilizer subgroup order?

A) 6 equivalent carbons; stabilizer order = 4

B) 12 equivalent carbons; stabilizer order = 2
C) 3 equivalent carbons; stabilizer order = 8
D) 24 equivalent carbons; stabilizer order = 1

153. Define a normal subgroup. Why is D₄ₕ a normal subgroup of Oₕ?

A) A normal subgroup H satisfies gH = Hg for all g ∈ G; D₄ₕ is normal in Oₕ

because elongating along z-axis treats x and y equivalently
B) A normal subgroup contains only the identity; D₄ₕ is normal because it's
smaller
C) A normal subgroup must be Abelian; D₄ₕ is Abelian
D) A normal subgroup has no cosets; D₄ₕ has no cosets in Oₕ

154. In Jahn-Teller active complexes like Cu²⁺ (d⁹), the distortion from Oₕ to
D₄ₕ follows what kind of subgroup relationship?

A) Arbitrary subgroup
B) Normal subgroup pathway
C) Cyclic subgroup
D) Trivial subgroup

155. For methane (Tₑ, |G| = 24), which orders of elements are actually
present?

A) 1, 2, 3, 4 only
B) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

35
C) 1, 2, 3 only
D) 1, 2, 4, 6 only

156. What is the order of a C₃ rotation element in Tₑ?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 6

157. In C₃ᵥ, taking subgroup H = {E, C₃, C₃²} (rotations), what does the
coset σH equal?

A) {E, C₃, C₃²}

B) {σ, σC₃, σC₃²} = {all three reflections}
C) {σ only}
D) {E, σ}

158. Chemically, the partition of C₃ᵥ into two cosets (rotations and
reflections) underlies what feature of the character table?

A) The existence of the identity

B) Two classes of non-identity operations: 2C₃ and 3σᵥ
C) The Abelian nature of the group
D) The absence of degeneracy

159. The subgroup hierarchy for BF₃ (D₃ₕ) predicts possible distortions to
what symmetries?

A) Only C₃ᵥ
B) C₃ᵥ, D₃, or C₃ₕ symmetry
C) Only D₃
D) No distortions are possible

160. If BF₃ buckles out of the plane slightly, breaking σₕ but keeping vertical
mirrors, what symmetry does it become?

A) D₃
B) C₃ᵥ (pyramidal like NH₃)
C) C₃ₕ
D) C₃

161. Lagrange's theorem states that:

A) The order of any subgroup divides the order of the group

B) All groups are Abelian
C) Every element has order 2
D) The identity is not unique

36
162. If a group G has order 12, which of the following could NOT be the
order of a subgroup?

A) 3
B) 4
C) 6
D) 5

163. What is the order of the C₂ᵥ point group for water?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 8

164. What is the order of the Tₑ point group for methane?

A) 12
B) 24
C) 48
D) 6

165. In C₂ᵥ, which of the following sets forms a subgroup?

A) {E, C₂}
B) {C₂, σᵥ}
C) {σᵥ, σᵥ'}
D) {E, C₂, σᵥ}

165. In C₂ᵥ, the set {E, σᵥ(xz)} is isomorphic to which point group?

A) C₂
B) Cₛ
C) C₂ᵥ
D) D₂

166. For ferrocene in staggered conformation (D₅ₕ), what is the pure

rotational subgroup?

A) D₅
B) C₅ᵥ
C) C₅
D) C₅ₕ

167. Subgroups represent symmetries that remain under what conditions?

A) Only in ideal conditions

B) Under certain conditions, such as if the molecule distorts slightly breaking

37
some symmetry
C) Never in real molecules
D) Only in the gas phase

168. What is the relationship between the order of an element and the
group order according to Lagrange's theorem?

A) The element order is always greater than the group order

B) The element order divides the group order
C) The element order equals the group order
D) The element order is unrelated to group order

169. For a C₄ rotation in a square planar complex, what is the order of the
element?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 1
D) 8

170. In a group of order 24, what possible element orders are allowed by
Lagrange's theorem?

A) Only 1, 2, 3, 4
B) 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24
C) Only prime numbers
D) Only even numbers

171. What is the trivial subgroup of any group?

A) All elements
B) Only the identity element {E}
C) Only rotations
D) Only reflections

172. What is the character χ(g) in representation theory?

A) The determinant of the matrix representing operation g

B) The trace (sum of diagonal elements) of the matrix representing operation
g
C) The inverse of the matrix representing operation g
D) The dimension of the representation

173. Why do we use characters instead of full matrices for most chemical
applications?

A) Characters contain all information about the matrices

B) Characters are class functions, invariant under basis change, and contain

38
sufficient information for most chemical applications while being simpler
C) Matrices cannot be calculated for symmetry operations
D) Characters are always integers

174. For the representation of the three N-H bond vectors in NH₃ (C₃ᵥ), what
are the characters for the C₃ class?

A) 3
B) 1
C) 0
D) -1

175. In C₃ᵥ, for the three N-H bond vectors, what is the character for the σᵥ
class?

A) 3
B) 0
C) 1
D) -1

176. Using the reduction formula for the N-H bond vectors in C₃ᵥ, what
irreducible representations are obtained?

A) A₁ only
B) E only
C) A₁ + E
D) A₁ + A₂ + E

177. What does Γ = A₁ + E for the N-H bond vectors in NH₃ mean physically?

A) All three bonds are equivalent and non-degenerate

B) The three N-H bonds form one totally symmetric combination (A₁) and a
doubly degenerate pair (E)
C) The bonds have no symmetry
D) All bonds transform as E

178. For d-orbitals in Oₕ symmetry, what is χ(C₄) for a C₄ rotation about the
z-axis?

A) 5
B) 1
C) 0
D) -1

179. How is χ(C₄) = -1 derived for d-orbitals in Oₕ?

A) All five d-orbitals contribute -1/5 each

B) d_z² (+1), d_xz and d_yz (0 each), d_xy (-1), d_x²-y² (-1) → sum = -1

39
C) Random assignment
D) By looking it up in a table without calculation

180. What is the difference between a faithful and an unfaithful

representation?

A) Faithful: different group elements map to different matrices (injective);

Unfaithful: multiple elements map to the same matrix
B) Faithful: all matrices are identity; Unfaithful: all matrices are different
C) Faithful: only 1D representations; Unfaithful: multidimensional
representations
D) There is no difference

180. Give a chemical example of an unfaithful representation.

A) The 3D representation of C₂ᵥ acting on p-orbitals

B) The trivial representation where every operation maps to 1 for any group
(e.g., s-orbital in any point group)
C) The representation of C₃ᵥ acting on N-H bonds
D) The representation of Oₕ acting on d-orbitals

181. Using the orthogonality theorem, show that A₁ and B₁ irreps of C₂ᵥ are
orthogonal. What is the calculation?

A) 1·1 + 1·1 + 1·1 + 1·1 = 4 ≠ 0

B) 1·1 + 1·(-1) + 1·1 + 1·(-1) = 0
C) 1·1 + 1·1 + 1·(-1) + 1·(-1) = 0
D) 1·2 + 1·0 + 1·(-2) = 0

182. In C₂ᵥ, what are the characters for A₁ representation?

A) (1, 1, 1, 1) for (E, C₂, σᵥ, σᵥ′)

B) (1, -1, 1, -1)
C) (1, 1, -1, -1)
D) (1, -1, -1, 1)

183. In C₂ᵥ, what are the characters for B₁ representation?

A) (1, 1, 1, 1)
B) (1, -1, 1, -1)
C) (1, 1, -1, -1)
D) (1, -1, -1, 1)

184. What is a class function in group theory?

A) A function that varies within a conjugacy class

B) A function that is constant on each conjugacy class (characters are class
functions)

40
C) A function that only applies to the identity
D) A function that measures bond angles

185. What are the conjugacy classes in the C₃ᵥ point group?

A) {E}, {C₃, C₃²}, {σᵥ, σᵥ′, σᵥ″}

B) {E, C₃, C₃²}, {σᵥ, σᵥ′, σᵥ″}
C) {E}, {C₃}, {C₃²}, {σᵥ}, {σᵥ′}, {σᵥ″}
D) {E, σᵥ}, {C₃, σᵥ′}, {C₃², σᵥ″}

186. The character of the identity operation in any representation equals:

A) 0
B) 1
C) The dimension of the representation
D) The order of the group

187. What is an irreducible representation (irrep)?

A) Any representation that can be further decomposed

B) A fundamental, non-reducible matrix representation that cannot be
decomposed into smaller representations
C) A representation that only contains the identity
D) A representation with all characters equal to 1

188. In chemical terms, irreps correspond to:

A) Different atoms in the molecule

B) Distinct symmetry species that molecular orbitals, vibrations, or electronic
states can transform under
C) Different bond lengths
D) Different energy levels regardless of symmetry

189. How many irreducible representations does an Abelian group have, and
what are their dimensions?

A) Many, all multidimensional

B) |G| irreducible representations, all 1-dimensional
C) One irreducible representation of dimension |G|
D) Two irreducible representations, one 1D and one multidimensional

190. For the C₂ᵥ point group, how many irreducible representations are
there?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 6
D) 8

41
191. What is the Mulliken symbol for a 1-dimensional antisymmetric
irreducible representation?

A) A
B) B (or A₂ depending on the specific symmetry behavior under principal
rotation)
C) E
D) T

192. What does the symbol "E" represent in Mulliken notation?

A) A 1-dimensional representation
B) A 2-dimensional (doubly degenerate) representation
C) The identity operation
D) An antisymmetric representation

193. What does the symbol "T" represent in Mulliken notation?

A) A 1-dimensional representation
B) A 2-dimensional representation
C) A 3-dimensional (triply degenerate) representation
D) The trivial representation

194. What does the subscript "g" mean in Mulliken symbols?

A) Gerade - symmetric with respect to inversion

B) Ungerade - antisymmetric with respect to inversion
C) The representation is 2-dimensional
D) The representation is 3-dimensional

[Link] does the subscript "u" mean in Mulliken symbols?

A) Gerade - symmetric with respect to inversion

B) Ungerade - antisymmetric with respect to inversion
C) The representation is 2-dimensional
D) The representation is 3-dimensional

42