When optical activity is taught it is done in terms of single molecules. But when it is actually measured it is done on a large collection of such molecules. So, how does the asymmetry manifest itself as the rotation of plane polarised light. Is it a collective effect of all the molecules put together in a sample or does each molecule play a role?
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$\begingroup$ Please have a look at the wikipedia article on specific rotation for the effect of concentration and path length on the outcome of the measurement. $\endgroup$– Klaus-Dieter WarzechaCommented Jan 16, 2017 at 15:17
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2$\begingroup$ This earlier question and answer, "How does polarimetry account for the orientation of the molecules?" may be helpful. $\endgroup$– ronCommented Jan 16, 2017 at 15:50
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