Physical

Science 11
Physical Science – Grade 11
Quarter 3 – Module 5: The Polarity of Molecule Based on Its Shape
First Edition, 2020

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 Physical
Science 11
Quarter 3
Self-Learning Module 5
The Polarity of Molecule Based on Its Shape
Introductory Message

For the Facilitator:

Welcome to the Physical Science Grade 11 Self-Learning Module 5 on The

Polarity of Molecule Based on Its Shape!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the Learner:

Welcome to the Physical Science Grade 11 Self-Learning Module 5 on The

Polarity of Molecule Based on Its Shape!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measure how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. explain electron-repulsion correlation to molecular shape;
2. identify molecular shape based on VSEPR theory.
3. predict polarity based on molecular shape.

PRETEST
Tell whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE.

__________1. CO2 is a bent (not linear) molecule it is non-polar.

__________2. Electrons are shared unequally in a polar covalent bond.

__________3. In molecule O=O, a total of 4 electrons are shared with double bond.

__________4. Electrically- charged opposite poles repel each other.

__________5. A molecular geometry with 3 bonding pairs is square planar.

RECAP
I. Which among the following image show(s) polarity?

II. Recall the difference between polar and non-polar molecules by completing the
Venn diagram. Choose the words in the box that best describe polar and non-polar
molecules.
Polar Non polar

symmetrical has electrical dipole dipole moment

asymmetrical has no electrical dipole no dipole moment
partially charged has no separation of charges mostly hydrocarbons
 LESSON
Remember how we were able to identify the polarity of molecules based on
Lewis Dot Structure? This time, it will be more challenging and exciting. We will still
use structures though, but structures of molecular shapes. And you are right to
think that molecules come in various shapes. These fascinating shapes determine
the polarity of molecules.
So, we need to learn and understand how molecules got different shapes as
well as the angles in between their electrons. You heard it right angles! In fact, we
will deal with electron and molecular geometry as we apply the VSEPR theory.
Molecular geometry or molecular structure is the three-dimensional
arrangement of atoms within a molecule. The three-dimensional structure of a
molecule is determined by its valence electrons, not its nucleus or the other electrons
in the atoms. The valence electrons are the electrons that are most frequently
involved in creating bonds and making molecules.
In relation, VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion. It states
that electron pairs around a central atom will assume a geometry that keeps them
as far apart from each other as possible. And that sets the boundaries of atoms from
each other for having the same charges. Which makes sense when we say that atoms
barely touch each other due to repulsion. This repulsion creates interesting distinct
shapes. So here, the VSEPR theory really makes a point as regards molecular shape.
To help us get through with it, follow these three (3) basic steps to get the
correct molecular shape and finally identify the polarity of molecules:
1. Draw the Lewis dot structure of the molecule.
2. Figure out the molecular geometry (visualize or draw using VSEPR theory).
3. Determine which of the five categories of shapes your molecule falls into
linear, tetrahedral, trigonal planar, bent, trigonal pyramid.

Remember:
a. count the number of electron groups
b. divide 3600 by the number of electron groups to get the bond angle
(optional, if you really need to compute)
c. take note that lone pair occupies more space than bonded electrons
Don’t forget:
a. first three shapes above are symmetric shapes, the last two are asymmetric
b. non-polar molecules are perfectly symmetrical while polar molecules are
not (bent or trigonal pyramid, gives a polar molecule)
c. asymmetry applies even if the outer atoms are the same (arrangement of
the atoms matters more)
d. all atoms attached to the central atom must be the same if it is a non-polar
molecule (different atoms result to polar molecule)
It also helps when you:
a. identify the net dipole moment vector for polar bonds
b. place the partial charges on atoms based on their electronegativity values
c. point the dipole moment vector toward to higher electronegative
For quick reference:
a. fluorine is the most electronegative element
b. electronegativity increases horizontally from left to right and vertically
upward from the periodic table of elements
c. all that is near fluorine, horizontally, and vertically are highly
electronegative compared to those far from it

Table 1. https://tinyurl.com/yxcgg3yo

So, let’s jump right in and see if you can follow the given steps. There are five
examples or practice exercises for you to work on.

Example 1
Let us have carbon dioxide (CO2), this is the gas that we take off from our body
as we exhale. It is in turn used by plants to produce carbohydrates.

Figure 1. Lewis structure for CO2

As mentioned earlier, from Lewis structure, we will apply VSEPR theory. Now,
let us count the number of electron domains from our Lewis structure, these are
simply the “things” surrounding the central atom. These are also known as electron
groups, which is the sum of all the bonds plus the number of lone pair.
So, let’s get it on and answer the following questions:
a. How many electron groups are there?
b. What is the angle bond between the two groups?
c. What is the geometry of this molecule?
 d. What is the shape of this molecule (focus only at the atoms)?
e. Which is more electronegative between C-O bond?
f. Which has a higher dipole moment?

Figure 2. Molecular geometry of carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide has two groups and no unbonded electrons around one central
atom. Both carbon atoms are strong enough to cancel each other out while moving
away from each other, so the dipole moment is zero. That makes the entire molecule
symmetrical. The two groups form a straight line with 1800 bond angle between them.
CO2 is linear in shape and a polar molecule.
Example 2
Now, let us take sulphur dioxide (SO2) as another example. It is a compound
used as a disinfectant, a refrigerant, a reducing agent, a bleach, and a food
preservative, especially in dried fruits. This is how it looks in Lewis structure:

Figure 3. Lewis structure for sulfur dioxide

In the first example, since it involves only two electron groups, we arrived at
a linear molecular shape. It could be said that all two electron groups would always
be linear. However, when there are more than two groups in a molecule, the electron
and molecular geometry are not that simple.
So, from Lewis structure we will again apply VSEPR theory to help us
understand the different shapes of molecules and finally their polarity.
Now, follow the same steps again then answer the following questions:

a. How many electron groups are there?

b. What is the angle bond between the two groups?
c. What is the geometry of this molecule?
d. What is the shape of this molecule (focus only at the atoms)?
e. Which is more electronegative between C-O bond?
f. Which has a higher dipole moment?

Figure 4. Molecular geometry of sulfur dioxide

Here we have three electron domains, we can divide the whole 3600
circumference by 3 which gives us 1200. This is supposed to be the bond angles of
the three electron domains. However, the lone pair being attached to only one
nucleus, gives its orbitals ample space spreading out. In effect, the lone pair pushes
the other two, increasing its bond angle and reducing the bond angle between the
two oxygen.

Figure 5. Lewis structure and bent shape of SO2

As we can see SO2 is asymmetrical because it contains a region with different

sharing of charges and not cancelled out. Oxygen is highly electronegative compared
to sulfur and carries more negative charges. Notice also that the molecular geometry
of SO2 has a bent shape. It is caused by the presence of the lone pair on the central
atom making the angle bond between the two oxygen less than 1200. Bent molecule
has two atoms and two pairs of unbonded electrons around one central atom.
So, the conclusion is, SO2 is a polar molecule.

Example 3

Next, carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) a compound used for dry cleaning,

degreasing metals, fumigating, manufacturing refrigerants and aerosol propellants,
this is also used in fire extinguishers.

Figure 6. Lewis structure and shape of CCl4

The molecular geometry of CCl4 is tetrahedral with symmetric charge

distribution around the central atom. All these charges come from common atoms.
No unbonded electron is found. Therefore, CCl4 is nonpolar.

Example 4

Are you getting dizzy yet? Well you might need some ammonia (NH3). Kidding
aside, a small drop of it can help bring back someone’s senses. Ammonia is a strong
compound also used as a refrigerant gas, for purification of water supplies, and in
the manufacture of many products like plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, etc.

1. Show the Lewis structure of Ammonia (NH3)

2. Identify the geometric shape of NH3
3. Determine its polarity

Figure 7. Molecular shape of NH3

a. trigonal planar b. trigonal pyramidal c. linear

Example 5

What about boron trifluoride (BF3)? BF3 is used in the production of

adhesives, sealant chemicals, lubricants, and as additives to other chemicals.

Boron trifluoride ( BF3) contain a central atom which is boron with three single
bonds to fluorine atoms. The boron atom also has an incomplete octet and the bond
is evenly distributed so it is nonpolar and it has three atoms and no unbonded
electrons around one central atom.
bonding
pair

Figure 8. Boron trifluoride bonding Figure 9. Boron trifluoride model

The geometric shape of the BF3 is called trigonal planar. The fluorine atoms
are positioned at the vertices of an equilateral triangle. The F-B-F is 120° and all four
atoms lie in the same plane.

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1. Complete the table below
Formula Lewis Structure Molecular Polar or
Geometry Non-Polar
1. HBr

2. NH3

3.CH4

4.NO3

5. H2O
Activity 2. Supply the missing information.

Compound Lewis structure Molecular Geometry

1. HBr

2. H2O

3. PH3

4. O2

5. C2H4

Activity 3. “3D GEOMETRIC MODELS”

Objective:

To create a tangible 3D model of the following molecules:

a. H2O d. H2S
b. CL2 e. CO2
c. O2 f. NH3

Materials:
1. pen and at least 2 pieces bond paper
2. protractor for measuring bond angles
3. toothpicks (around 30 pcs for chemical bonds)
4. seven colors of modelling clay (3 primary colors would suffice plus white)
red – oxygen black – carbon yellow - sulfur orange - phosphorus
white – hydrogen green – chlorine blue - nitrogen

Homemade clay: https://www.thoughtco.com/modeling-clay-recipes-604165 and

https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Clay
Procedure:

1. Tabulate the data needed. This includes Lewis structure, molecular geometry,
bond angle, and polarity of the above compounds in a piece of white paper.
2. Form each atom model according to color codes above
3. Connect each color-coded atom using the toothpick
4. Number of bonds, equals number of toothpicks to use
5. Determine the bond angle between atoms using a protractor
6. Label each 3D model with compound name, molecular geometry and polarity.
 WRAP-UP

one horizontally 190.0 repulsing

two symmetrically 109.5 bonding
three asymmetrically 90.5 nonbonding

Choose from the word pool above the missing words that will complete the
following concepts.

Linear
Linear molecule is a molecule in which
atoms are arranged in a straight line
(under 180° angle).
Trigonal Planar
Trigonal planar is a molecular shape that
results when there are __(1)____ bonds
and no lone pairs around the central atom
in the molecule
Bent
Bent shape is two atoms and one or two
pairs of ___(3)______ electrons around a
central atom are bent.
Trigonal pyramidal
Trigonal pyramidal is a molecular shape
that results when there are three bonds
and ____(4)____ lone pair on the central
atom in the molecule.

Tetrahedral
Tetrahedral is a molecular shape that
results when there are four bonds and no
lone pairs around the central atom in the
molecule. The atoms bonded to the
central atom lie at the corners of a
tetrahedron with _(2)__° angles between
them.
Octahedral
Octahedral describes the shape of
compounds where six atoms are
___(5)____ arranged around a central
atom. The sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), with
six bonding pairs is found to be a regular
octahedron with 90° bond angles.

VALUING
What does it mean to have a linear or bent shaped molecule? How would it
affect anything? What is the importance of knowing molecular shapes and polarity?
These might be some of the crucial questions you have in your mind right now?
Substances behave differently with other substances. Some may dissolve in water,
others may not. Still, other molecules would boil faster than the others. These are
just few of the many physical properties affected by the polarity of molecules. In
Pharmacology, polarity is such an important factor to consider. Medicines must be
soluble enough for our body to absorb the necessary substances.
 In the same manner, people are of various polarity as well. Some may get along
pretty quick with one another, yet others find it a challenge. Other people can
dominate and manipulate others, while the others might be submissive and tolerant.

And how about bipolar personality? Have you heard anything about this?
What do you think should be understood from having a bipolar personality?

Answers:

POSTTEST
Direction: Give the correct molecular name and the molecular shapes of the following
molecules.

Chemical Name Molecular Shape

1. SiCl4 Silicon tetrachloride Tetrahedral___________

2. CH2Cl2 __________________________ __________________________

3. GeCl2 __________________________ __________________________

4. OF2 __________________________ __________________________

5. NH3 __________________________ __________________________

6. PH3 __________________________ __________________________

7. SF6 __________________________ __________________________

8. NOBr __________________________ __________________________

9. XeH2 __________________________ __________________________

10. N2 ___________________________ __________________________

 KEY TO CORRECTION

Use teacher-made rubrics

polar 5. Activity 3 10. Nitride Linear

nonpolar 4. linear
nonpolar 3. 9. Xenon difluoride
polar 2. bent
nonpolar 1. 8. Nitrosyl bromide
5. Triangular
octahedral
Activity 1 7. Sulfur hexafluoride
ACTIVITIES: pyramidal
6. Phospine trigonal
4. linear, pyramidal
symmetrically 5.
one 4. 5. Ammonia, Trigonal
nonbonding 3. 4. Difluoride, Bent
109.5 2. 3. Pyramidal, dichloride, Bent
three 1. 3. Germanium
Trigonal pyramidal
WRAP-UP: 2. Dichloromethane,
Tetrahedral
5. F 2. Bent,
tetrachloride,
4. F 1. Silicon
3. T
2. T
1. linear,
1. F Activity 2 POST TEST:
PRETEST:

References
n.d. "Molecular Geometry." In Lumen Boundless Chemistry, by VSEPR Theory. Provided by: Wikipedia.
Located at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VSEPR_Theory. License: CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike.

CK-12 Education. 2019. "4.11: Molecular Shapes- The VSEPR Theory." https://chem.libretexts.org/
4.11.

Creative Commons Attribution. 2016. "Chapter 7. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry."
(https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/7-2-covalent-bonding/) Pp 7.1-7.3.

2020. "Shapes and Properties- Polar and Nonpolar Molecules." In Chemistry LibreText, by Andrew
Jackson, 4.1-4.12. California:
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Map%3A_Chemistry_for_C
hanging_Times_(Hill_and_McCreary)/04%3A_Chemical_Bonds/4.12%3A_Shapes_and_Propert
ies_Polar_and_Nonpolar_Molecules#:~:text=Non%20polar%20molecules%20are%20symmetric,
atoms.

Panchuk, Karla. 2019. The Origin of Earth and the Solar System.
https://opentextbc.ca/geology/chapter/22-1-starting-with-a-big-bang/.

Published by the Commission on Higher Education, 2016. n.d.

Shapes of Molecules. 2020. "Covalent Bonding, VSEPR Theory, Molecular Geometry, Resonance." April
13: 1.