The search for liquid fivefold symmetry
Mar 1, 2001
Sometimes the most arresting aspect of a natural object is its symmetry. The delicate and complex contours of a snowflake, for example, are all the more fascinating because of the crystal's symmetrical branches. The sixfold rotational symmetry of a snowflake comes from the hexagonal structure of the ice crystal that, in turn, is related to the shape and orientation of the bonded water molecules.
Please sign in
To continue reading this article please sign in below.
Not registered with physicsworld.com?
Register now
for FREE access to all In depth articles plus many other benefits. Just complete the quick and simple form.
Register now It's free!
Already registered? Then there's no need to do a thing, just sign in below.
![[IOP]](http://images.iop.org/cws/icons/themes/phw/colophon-small.png){kind=icon}
