Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-chemistry-course-of-the-year-3-of-the-natural-sciences-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2021/paper-2a/section-b/21/b/ii/solution
Past exam of the chemistry course of the year 3 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge 2021 Paper 2A Section B 21 b ii Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
In the stipulated ideal, fully resolved limit, yes: square-planar geometry gives three infrared fundamentals, whereas square-pyramidal geometry gives four: two parallel bands and two perpendicular bands. The extra parallel fundamental is the distinguishing feature. In a real incomplete spectrum, a weak band, overlap or accidental degeneracy could hide that difference, so absence of a fourth observed band would not alone prove planarity.
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