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Multiple Choice
When a molecule is , how does its mirror image compare to the original molecule?
A
The mirror image is and represents a different molecule ().
B
The mirror image is always and identical to the original molecule.
C
The mirror image is a of the original molecule.
D
The mirror image is always regardless of the original molecule's chirality.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of chirality: A molecule is chiral if it cannot be superimposed on its mirror image, much like how your left and right hands are mirror images but not identical.
Recognize that the mirror image of a chiral molecule is called its enantiomer, which is a stereoisomer that is non-superimposable on the original molecule.
Recall that superimposable means you can place one molecule on top of the other in 3D space and have all parts match exactly; non-superimposable means this is not possible.
Note that enantiomers have identical physical properties except for the direction in which they rotate plane-polarized light and how they interact with other chiral environments.
Conclude that the mirror image of a chiral molecule is non-superimposable and represents a different molecule known as an enantiomer.