Chiral

Something which is chiral is not symmetric about it's own center. It's mirror image is asymmetric. The example often used to demonstrate this concept is one's own hand: Rotating one's own hand 180° does not return it to the original shape. The thumb and the pinky trade places and the front is distinct from the back.

• 

  One's own hand before rotation (Thumb on left, pinky on right).

• 

  One's own hand after rotation (Thumb on right, pinky on left).

• 

  The system of both hands is symmetric despite the individual chirality.

• 

  Some items may be asymmetric themselves but when paired with another have some symmetry.

This article is a stub. You can help us by editing this page and expanding it.