What is tetragonal distortion?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of tetragonal distortion, which involves understanding its definition and implications in a scientific context, likely related to crystallography or materials science.
Answer
Tetragonal distortion is a geometric change in a structure where bonds along one axis are elongated or shortened.
Tetragonal distortion is a type of distortion that occurs in octahedral complexes due to the Jahn-Teller effect, where the bonds along one axis (commonly the z-axis) are elongated or shortened, leading to a distortion that reduces the symmetry of the system and stabilizes it.
Answer for screen readers
Tetragonal distortion is a type of distortion that occurs in octahedral complexes due to the Jahn-Teller effect, where the bonds along one axis (commonly the z-axis) are elongated or shortened, leading to a distortion that reduces the symmetry of the system and stabilizes it.
More Information
The tetragonal distortion is commonly observed in complexes like the hexaaquacopper(II) ion and is a consequence of electronic configurations that disrupt symmetrical arrangements to minimize the energy.
Tips
A common mistake is overlooking that the distortion can affect both elongation and shortening along a particular axis.
Sources
- 5.8: Jahn-Teller Effect - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Jahn–Teller effect - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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