Question

describe the symmetries of each molecule shown. a. benzene b. water c. hydrogen peroxide

a. describe the symmetries of the benzene molecule. select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box(es) to complete your choice.
( ) a. the benzene molecule has 6 line(s) of symmetry, point symmetry, and the following rotational symmetry(ies) 60,120,180,240,300. (use a comma to separate answers as needed. do not include the degree symbol in your answer.)
( ) b. the benzene molecule has line(s) of symmetry and does not have rotational symmetry.
( ) c. the benzene molecule has the following rotational symmetry(ies) °, point symmetry, and does not have reflectional symmetry. (use a comma to separate answers as needed. do not include the degree symbol in your answer.)
( ) d. the benzene molecule does not have any symmetry.

b. describe the symmetries of the water molecule. select the correct choice below and, if necessary, fill in the answer box(es) to complete your choice.
( ) a. the water molecule has the following rotational symmetry(ies) °, point symmetry, and does not have reflectional symmetry. (use a comma to separate answers as needed. do not include the degree symbol in your answer.)
( ) b. the water molecule has line(s) of symmetry, point symmetry, and the following rotational symmetry(ies) °. (use a comma to separate answers as needed. do not include the degree symbol in your answer.)
( ) c. the water molecule does not have any symmetry.
( ) d. the water molecule has line(s) of symmetry and does not have rotational symmetry.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze benzene molecule

Benzene ($C_6H_6$) is a planar molecule with a regular - hexagon shape. It has 6 lines of symmetry (3 lines passing through opposite vertices and 3 lines passing through the mid - points of opposite sides), point symmetry (the center of the hexagon is a point of symmetry), and rotational symmetries of 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 degrees.

Step2: Analyze water molecule

Water ($H_2O$) is a bent molecule. It has 2 lines of symmetry (one passing through the oxygen atom and bisecting the H - O - H angle and another perpendicular to the first one in the plane of the molecule), point symmetry, and only rotational symmetry of 180 degrees.

Answer:

a. A. The benzene molecule has 6 line(s) of symmetry, point symmetry, and the following rotational symmetry(ies) 60,120,180,240,300.
b. B. The water molecule has 2 line(s) of symmetry, point symmetry, and the following rotational symmetry(ies) 180.