Noun
(physics) a property caused by asymmetrical molecular or crystal structure that enables a compound or crystal to rotate the plane of incident polarized light
(chemistry) A measure of the amount of optical rotation produced by a standard amount of a substance
Source: en.wiktionary.orgFor instance, choosing right and left circular polarizations as basis functions simplifies the solution of problems involving circular birefringence (optical activity) or circular dichroism. Source: Internet
If two enantiomers are present in equal proportions then their effects cancel out and no optical activity is observed; this is termed a racemic mixture. Source: Internet
In 1874, Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff and Joseph Le Bel explained optical activity in terms of the tetrahedral arrangement of the atoms bound to carbon. Source: Internet
Rotation of light's plane of polarization may also occur through the Faraday effect which involves a static magnetic field, however this is a distinct phenomenon that is not usually classified under "optical activity." Source: Internet
Optical rotation or optical activity (sometimes referred to as rotary polarization) is the rotation of the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light as it travels through certain materials. Source: Internet
Quaternary ammonium salts with four distinct groups on the nitrogen are capable of exhibiting optical activity. Source: Internet