Physical Science

Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Properties of Polar and Non-Polar
Molecules
General Physics 1 – Grade 12
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Motion in One Dimension
First Edition, 2020

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 Physical Science
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
Properties of Polar and Non-Polar
Molecules
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to this Grade 11 Physical Science Self-Learning Module entitled,
“Properties of Polar and Non-polar Molecules”!

This has been developed and reviewed to help you deliver the lessons to the
learner in this new normal mode of delivery – modular distance learning. As
this learning material was developed, the needs and context of the learners
were considered to make their learning experience relevant.

There are series of activities in this module, complete with content and
instructions on how our learners will do these tasks. Please be reminded to
tell the learners that they will use separate sheets for their answers in all
activities such as pre-test (Let Us Try), self-check exercises (Let Us Practice,
Let Us Practice More, Let Us Enhance, Let Us Reflect), and Post Test (Let Us
Assess).

For the learner:

Welcome to this Grade 11 Physical Science Self-Learning Module entitled,
“Properties of Polar and Non-polar Molecules”!

This module has been developed to assist you in mastering the learning
competency/ competencies even outside the face-to-face instruction. This
module contains instructions on how you will use the module.

The module contains the following parts with descriptions:

Let Us Learn This states the lesson objectives.

Let Us Try This assesses how much you already know
about the topic.
Let Us Study This discusses the main topic of the lesson.
Let Us Practice This helps you discover the main concept of
this module.
Let Us Practice More This gives you more practice of the concepts
you gained from the lesson.
Let Us Remember This summarizes the key concepts in this
module.
Let Us Assess This is a 15-item multiple choice test that
assesses your understanding of the concepts.
Let Us Enhance This serves as an enrichment activity that
increases the strength of your response as
repetitions of your learning.
Let Us Reflect This serves as a closing note for relevance or
application of concepts.

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 Let Us Learn!

Before we start, it is very important to keep in mind the focus of learning

this module. This learning material addresses the topic “Properties of Polar
and Non-polar Molecules” in Physical Science which has the following Most
Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs):

1 Relate the polarity of a molecule to its properties S11/12PS-IIIc-

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This module has one (1) lesson, to wit:

Lesson 1 Properties of Polar and Non-polar
Molecules

It is expected that by the end of this module, you will gain a concrete
understanding of the Properties of polar and non-polar molecules. Be sure to
coordinate closely with your subject teacher in physical science.

Let Us Try!
How far do you know the topic Polar or Non-polar Molecules?

Read the questions carefully and choose the letter of the best answer.
Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet of paper. (5 Items Multiple
Choice)

1. Which of the following properties CORRECTLY describe a polar

molecule?
A. It has an equal distribution of C. It does not allow electricity to
electrons flow through it
B. It interacts well with non- D. It has a slightly positive and
polar substances slightly negative end

2. Which among the following substances can be dissolved in water?

A. Polar and ionic molecules C. Polar and non-polar
molecules
B. Ionic and non-polar molecules D. Ionic, polar and non-polar
molecules

3. Which among the properties described below is not affected by the

polarity of the molecules that make-up the substance?
A. Solubility C. Chemical composition
B. Physical properties D. Melting point and boiling
point

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4. Which among the following reasons cause polar molecules to have
higher boiling points and melting points compared to non-polar ones?
A. Polar molecules are made-up C. Polar molecules are smaller
of two non-metals than non-polar molecules
B. Polar molecules have very D. Polar molecules have
high molecular densities stronger intermolecular
forces of attraction

5. What is the main reason why non-polar molecules are mostly gases at
room temperature?
A. They are small molecules C. They have low intermolecular
forces of attraction
B. They are made-up of the same D. Their structures have no
atoms positive and negative ends

Lesson
Properties of Polar and
1 Non-Polar Molecules

Let Us Study

Polar bears and penguins never mix up. Contrary to popular belief, and
despite being both species being at home in cold climates, polar bears and
penguins do not share habitats. Penguins live in the southern Antarctic
regions while in the arctic circle of the north are where polar bears are found.
Speaking of polar things and mixing we do know that the way substances
interact and mix with one another is affected by its polarity.
This characteristic of solubility, together with other different properties
that depend on the polarity of the molecules will be tackled in the subsequent
activities of this module.
There are several physical properties affected by the polarity of the
molecules that make up a compound. These are some of the common
differences between properties of polar and non-polar molecules.

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A. Effect on conductivity

Electricity is a general term for the variety

of phenomena resulting from the presence and
flow of electric charge. Static electricity is the
accumulation of an electrical charge in an
object. Electrical charges develop when two
objects are rubbed against one another, like
when the combed is rubbed through the hair or
towel. Since electrons are negatively charged,
the object that loses the electrons becomes
positively charged, while the object that they
jump to becomes negatively charged. The nature
of the polarity has a large effect on how this
buildup of charges occur.
Source: https://thebeakerlife.com/water-
bending-experiment-13480a95eeda

A charged object attracts small particles,

such as dust or particles of water. The charge in the object causes an
attraction to charged molecules close to it. The complementary charge is
attracted to the charged object. This is why your television screen becomes
dusty faster than the television cabinet. When a television operates, electrons
fly from the back to the screen. These electrons cause the screen to become
charged. The charge on the screen attracts dust.

The comb attracts the stream of water in the same way. The charge on
the comb attracts the molecules of water in the stream. Because the
molecules of water can be attracted easily, the stream bends toward the
comb. Because water molecules are polarized molecules, the effect is stronger
than with dust. The water molecules change the position of their dipoles, the
negative oxygen towards the comb; the positively charged hydrogens away
from it.

You might have learned previously that covalent and ionic bonds are
two ends of a spectrum of chemical bonds. Ionic compounds, which have the
highest polarity, become ions and conduct electricity when dissolve in
aqueous solutions. Covalent bonds may be pure covalent bonds when two
atoms forming the bond are identical (e.g., H2, O3). Polar covalent bonds form
when two atoms have similar yet not identical electronegativity values (e.g.,
H2O, HCl, HI). These compounds do dissolve in water and do conduct
electricity. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl aq) and hydroiodic acid (HI aq)

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 are strong acids that completely dissociate into their ions in water. This does
not make water a good conductor, but if you push enough electricity through
it, it will conduct. In short pure covalent compounds do not conduct
electricity. Polar covalent compounds may be conductive when dissolved in
water.

On the other hand, non-polar covalent compounds form when atoms

that have similar electronegativity values form covalent chemical bonds.
When a non-polar molecule dissolves in water, it does not dissociate into
ions. Because there are no free electrons or ions in the water (electrolytes)
dissolved non-polar molecules can’t conduct electricity. Similarly, non-polar
compounds aren’t conductive in pure form either. Think about the common
gases in our atmosphere, most if not all of them are non-polar molecules, like
O2(g) and CO2(g) , they are totally non-conductive, and it would be a major
problem for us if they were.

B. Solubility

The rule of thumb is that "like

dissolves like". Polar and ionic solvents
dissolve polar and ionic solutes and non-
polar solvents dissolve non-polar solutes.
For example, water is a polar solvent and
it will dissolve salts which are ionic and
other polar molecules like sugar, but not
non-polar molecules like oil. Gasoline is a
non-polar solvent and will dissolve oil, but
will not mix with water. You might have
tried to wash-off water-based paint by
using only water, but an oil-based paint
Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/why-oil-and- will require paint thinner or remover. This
water-dont-mix-609193 interaction is all due to the differences in
polarities of the molecules.

Polar molecules are very attracted to

other polar molecules, or even free ions, and form strong bonds between
themselves. They have very little attraction to non-polar molecules and tend
to ignore them in their rush to find other polar molecules or ions.

Non-polar molecules tend to group together, because they are pushed

out of the way by polar molecules, forming weak bonds between themselves.
In this way, polar molecules seek each other out, excluding non-polar
molecules from mixing with them and forming a solution. While non-polar

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molecules form much weaker attractions for each other, they will mix and
form solutions. Like dissolves like!

C. Melting points and boiling points

The polarity of the molecules

determines the forces of attraction
between them and when they are in the
liquid state this becomes very much
apparent. In polar molecules the positive
end of one molecule is attracted to the
negative end of another molecule. This
attraction contributes to the forces that
hold the molecules together (IMF). The
more polar a molecule is, the greater the forces of attraction that exists
between its individual molecules and the higher the boiling point. Because it
would need much more energy to break apart the bond between molecules
allowing them to change phase into a gas.

In the case of water, we have hydrogen bonding, which is a special type

of intermolecular force, exerts a very strong effect to keep the molecules in a
liquid state until a fairly high temperature is reached.

In contrast to this, non-polar molecules exhibit very low boiling points

due to the weak attraction between their individual molecules. To take this
into perspective, water boils at 100 °C while methane (CH4) a nonpolar
molecule has a boiling point of -161.5 °C. Considering that water and
methane molecule have nearly similar molecular weights (18.02 and 16.04
g/mol), this very high difference in boiling point is due to the water having
stronger intermolecular forces due to being a polar molecule and having
hydrogen bonds.

A strong attraction between molecules results in a

Source:
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/18
9643834285722148/
higher melting point. In general, ionic compounds have very
high melting points. In covalent compounds, the presence
of polarity, especially hydrogen bonding, usually leads to a
higher melting point. The melting points of polar
substances are higher than the melting points of nonpolar
substances with similar molecular sizes. For example, the
melting point of iodine monochloride (IO), which is polar, is
27 °C, while the melting point of bromine gas (Br2), a
nonpolar substance, is -7.2 °C.

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D. Physical States

The most noticeable difference that we can observe between polar and
non-polar molecules are their physical properties. The table below lists down
the common differences of polar and non-polar molecules in terms of
observable physical states that they take when in normal conditions.

Substance Polarity of Molecules State at Room

Temperature (25 C)
0

Sugar Polar Solid

Water Polar Liquid
Ethanol Polar Liquid
Carbon Dioxide Non-polar Gas
Cl2, O2, H2 gas Non-polar Gas
Methane (CH4) Non-polar Gas
Carbon tetrachloride Non-polar Liquid *
*(due to high molecular weight of 154 g/mol)

Most substances with polar molecules exist as liquids, some even as

solids in room temperature. For instance, water is liquid at room
temperature, and so is ethanol both of which are parts of your common
rubbing alcohol. Sugar which is made-up of polar molecules exists as solid
at room temperature. On the other hand, most non-polar molecules exist as
gases. The common atmospheric gases that we have like oxygen, hydrogen
and carbon dioxide are all non-polar molecules. Though some non-polar
molecules exist as liquids at room temperature like gasoline, chloroform and
toluene, a common component in paint thinner, they can be highly volatile
and evaporate very easily.

However, it is important to note that the type of Intermolecular Forces

that exists between the molecules of substances plays a major factor in the
physical state of a sample of matter (This concept will be further discussed
in the following modules dedicated to IMF). As a primer, the stronger the IMF
the more kinetic energy is needed to pull the particles apart. If all molecules
had very strong intermolecular forces, all matter should be in solid state and
if none of the intermolecular forces exist all matter should be gaseous. These
intermolecular forces are dependent on electronegativity difference of
molecules. This explains why polar molecules are more commonly in solid
and liquid states compared to non-polar molecules which are commonly in
gas state. Polar molecules have stronger IMF so they don’t readily go into the
gas state.

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 Another factor in determining the physical state of a substance is the
amount of kinetic energy in its particles. The kinetic energy of the particles,
also known as temperature of substance. By adding kinetic energy to the
substance (heating it up), the particles are excited and gradually, the
intermolecular forces weaken.

When the strength of attraction weakens, particles are able to move

around and rotate themselves, rather than just vibrate. Eventually, the
attraction is so weak (with higher kinetic energy), that there is a minuscule
amount, resulting in a gas. Particles in solids have very little kinetic energy,
liquids have a moderate amount, and gases have a lot.

Let Us Practice

Activity 1.1 Picture Analysis

After reading about the different properties of polar and non-polar molecules,
it is now your turn. Look and analyze the depicted situations in the pictures
below, identify if the substance depicted are polar or non-polar and briefly
discuss their physical properties as shown in the picture.
Butter melting at room temperature:
______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________
______________________________________
Source:
https://www.shutterstock.com/search/melte
d+butter

A dipping sauce made with vinegar and oil

______________________________________

______________________________________
______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________
Source: ______________________________________
https://snapguide.com/guides/prepare-basic-
french-vinaigrette/

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 Water (H2O) freezes at 0oC and boils at 100oC.

______________________________________
______________________________________

Source:
https://www.tes.com/lessons/qAqVwjuy4br2P
A/how-water-change-from-liquid-solid-and-
vapor
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissolved in water conducts

electricity.

______________________________________

______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

______________________________________
______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

Source: 1
https://slideplayer.com/slide/9884411/

Let Us Practice More

Now that we know the properties of polar and non-polar molecules, let us
look for real life situations where we can apply what we have learned. Let’s
do the following activity.

Activity 1.2 Finding Meaning

Think of ways where you can apply this knowledge about the properties
of substances related to their polarity, make a photo essay depicting the
scenarios or applications that you have chosen. The following are the
guidelines for your photo essays.
1. The photo essay must have a title.
2. The photo essay must have between 3 to 5 pictures.
3. The photos should include 1 to 3 sentences for captions.
4. Photos must depict practical application of the learned concepts.

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5. All photos must be taken by the student, downloaded photos are not
allowed.

Your photo essay will be graded using this rubric:

4 3 2 1

Relation to All photos Most of the Some the Most of the

the Topic are very photos are photos are photos do
related to the related to the somewhat not have
topic. topic. related to the connection to
topic. the topic.

Visual All photos A few errors Some parts The photos

Appeal / are very in the of the image are not
Photo clear, with photos, low are not taken visually
Quality high detail detail images properly, appealing or
and visually and visually blurred have very low
appealing. appealing images and quality
low visual
appeal

Captions The captions The captions There is not Captions are

are concise, satisfactorily much not related to
elaborate on support the connection the idea of
the central ideas in the between the the pictures
idea. Precise, photos caption and
descriptive the photos
language is
used to
complement
the photos.

Grammar Grammar Grammar There were Repeated

and usage usage is several and
are correct mostly errors in numerous
and correct, few grammar errors in
contributed errors do not and usage grammar
to clarity and detract from that and usage
style. the idea detracted
from the
presentation

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 Let Us Remember

We are almost finished with the module, for now just keep the following important
concepts in mind.

➢ The degree of polarity of different molecules have subsequent effects on their

properties.
➢ Polarity directly affects solubility. Polar substances only dissolve in polar
solvents, while non-polar substances need non-polar solvent to dissolve them.
➢ Highly polar molecules, including the ionic compounds, can carry amounts of
electric charge when dissolved in aqueous solutions. Non-polar molecules are
not conductive to electricity.
➢ Polar molecules having stronger forces of intermolecular attraction have
relatively higher boiling points and melting points compared to non-polar
molecules.
➢ Polar molecules exist as solids and liquids at room temperature while non-
polar molecules exist mostly as gases, and at time as volatile liquids.

Let Us Assess

Now, let us find out how much you have learned from the discussions
and activities presented in this module. There are 15 questions that would
help you express your understanding of concepts. Choose the letter of your
choice. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

Direction: Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

1. Which of the following statements best explains why oil-based paints

are best cleaned by using paint thinner?
A. The oil in the paint is diluted C. Oil is non-polar which can be
by the paint thinner dissolved by polar
substances like thinner
B. The molecules of oil and D. Oil is non-polar which can be
thinner are both polar dissolved by non-polar
molecules substances like thinner

2. Which of the following properties describe a non-polar molecule?

A. High melting point C. Gaseous in room
temperature
B. High boiling point D. Readily mixes with water in a
solution

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3. Each of the following properties is related to the polarity of the
molecule EXCEPT?
A. Physical states it manifests C. Its solubility compared to
other materials
B. Its melting and boiling point D. Difference in atomic masses
of each element in the
molecule.

4. Anna is trying to dissolve a non-polar substance in her experiment,

which of the following solvents should she use?
A. A non-polar solvent C. Either a polar or non-polar
solvent
B. A polar covalent solvent D. She should use water, the
universal solvent

5. Which of the following are the reasons why strong acids conduct
electricity when dissolved in water?
A. They disassociate into ions C. They are made up of very
allowing electricity to flow reactive elements which react
with the water
B. They make the water have D. Strong acids are non-polar
higher PH to allow conduction which does not dissolve in
water when mixed

6. Which statement best support carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is non-

polar?
A. Carbon tetrachloride is an C. Carbon tetrachloride is
organic compound colorless

B. Carbon tetrachloride is D. Carbon tetrachloride is

insoluble in water volatile

7. Which of the following statements best explains why non-polar

molecules easily evaporate and have low melting points compared to
polar molecules?
A. Non-polar molecules are C. Non-polar molecules have
smaller than polar ones weak intermolecular forces
B. Non-polar molecules are not D. Non-polar molecules are less
electrically conductive common than polar ones.

8. When you mix-up a salad dressing with some vinegar and olive oil
you can observe that over time the oil separates from the vinegar,
what could be the cause of this phenomenon?
A. Vinegar is acidic that is why C. Oil is less dense than vinegar
oil separates from it
B. Vinegar and oil have different D. Oil molecules are very heavy
polarities

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For items 9 – 12 consider the given situation below:
9. In a lab setup, three beakers are filled with unknown liquids. The
following observations have been made.
i. Liquid A mixes with liquid B
ii. Liquid C does not mix with A and B
iii. Liquid C easily evaporates

Which among these is most likely a non-polar liquid?

A. Liquid A C. Liquid C
B. Liquid B D. All are polar liquids

10. What inference can we make from the observations?

A. Liquids A and B are polar C. Liquids A, B and C are non-
polar
B. Liquids A and B are non-polar D. Liquids A, B and C are polar

11. Which statement best explains why Liquid C is most likely a non-
polar liquid?
A. It easily evaporates C. It is in liquid state at room
temperature
B. It does not mix with liquids A D. It cannot be determined from
and B the data given

12. If all three liquids were to be dissolved in gasoline, which of the

following would most likely be the result?

A. Liquid A would fully dissolve C. Liquid C would fully dissolve

B. Liquid B would fully dissolve D. All liquids would fully
dissolve

13. In normal room temperature, which statement is true about non-

polar substances?
A. Most non-polar substances C. Most non-polar substances
are solid. are gases.
B. Most non-polar substances D. None of these
are liquids.

14. Three beakers are filled with three unknown liquids, one of them is a
polar substance. How would you identify which substance is polar?
A. Mix the samples with CCl4, C. Boil the samples with the
the polar substance should same setup, the non-polar
dissolve fully substance should take most
time to boil
B. Mix the samples with water, D. Boil the samples with the
the polar substance should same setup, the polar
dissolve fully substance should be the
least time to boil

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15. Which of the following substances is most likely a polar molecule?
A. Substance A, a gas at room C. Substance C, a paint thinner
temperature for water-based paints
B. Substance B, a paint thinner D. Substance D, a volatile liquid
for oil paints that easily evaporates

Let Us Enhance

Polarity of molecules serve as the basis for many important biological processes to
occur. The cell membranes that are made-up of phospholipids rely on polarity, also
the mechanism of protein synthesis and folding is dependent on polarity of
molecules.
Your task is to come up with other applications of polarity of molecules. You can
choose to cite applications from any aspect of human society, from industrial
applications, medical or even from the food industry.
Present your information using the graphic organizer below. Answer on a separate
paper. You can do it!

Area of Application of How polarity of molecules is

Polarity applied to society?

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 Let Us Reflect

Status Update 3, 2, 1!

Let’s try to synthesize and summarize your realizations from the

concepts you have learned in the module. Complete the status updates below
by filling in the following statements. Answer on a separate paper. You can do
it!

Three things that I have learned about polarity and properties of molecules
are…
1.________________________________________________________________________
2.________________________________________________________________________
3.________________________________________________________________________
Two things I find very interesting about this topic are…
1.________________________________________________________________________
2.________________________________________________________________________
One question that I would like to ask about polarity and properties of
molecules is…
1.________________________________________________________________________

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Answer key to Activities

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 References

Anne Marie Helmenstine, PhD. 2020 accessed. Polar Molecule Definition and
Examples. January 21. Accessed June 26, 2020.
https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-polar-molecule-605531.
Bauernfeind, Emily. 2017 . Penguins and Polar Bears Don’t Mix. February
27. Accessed 26 2020, June. https://www.neaq.org/blog/penguins-polar-
bears-dont-mix.
n.d. chemsea. Accessed 06 26, 2020.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/chemsea/experiments .
Education, Commission on Higher. 2016. Teaching Guide for Senior High
School Physical Science.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B869YF0KEHr7SHFGVG5mVFFhcXc/view
Helmenstine, Anne. 2018. sciencenotes. September 24. Accessed 06 25,
2020. https://sciencenotes.org/covalent-compounds-conduct-electricity-
dissolved-water/.
Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, PhD. 2004. Conceptual and Functional Chemistry:
Modular Aproach. Metro Manila: Vibal Publishing House.
Pflugfelder, Bob. 2015. sciencebob.com. 02. Accessed 6 27, 2020.
https://sciencebob.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Bend-Water-With-
Static-Electricity1.pdf.
n.d. primaryconnections. Accessed 25 2020, 06.
https://www.primaryconnections.org.au/sites/all/modules/primaryconnect
ions/includes/SBR/data/Chem/sub/sol3/sol3.htm.
n.d. scifun.org. Accessed 06 25, 2020.
http://www.scifun.org/HomeExpts/CondTester/SolutionConductivity.htm.
Shipman, James T. 2016. An Introduction to Physical Science. 14. Sampaloc,
Manila: Rex Book Store, Inc.
2013. Socratic.org. December 22. Accessed 06 25, 2020.
https://socratic.org/questions/how-is-molecular-polarity-related-to-
solubility.
Soult, Allison. 2019. Chemistry Libretexts. Sptember 9. Accessed 06 24,
2020.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/University_of_Kentucky/UK%3A_CHE
_103__Chemistry_for_Allied_Health_(Soult)/Chapters/Chapter_5%3A_Proper
ties_of_Compounds/5.3%3A_Polarity_and_Intermolecular_Forces.
n.d. The Teachers' Corner - Crossword Puzzle Maker. Accessed June 26,
2020. https://worksheets.theteacherscorner.net/make-your
own/crossword/.

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Region XI Davao City Division

DepEd Davao City, Elpidio Quirino Ave., Davao City

Telefax: 224-3274

Email Address: davaocity.division@deped.gov.ph

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