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Physical Science
Quarter 1 – Module 3:
Polarity of Molecules
Subject Area – Grade Level
Self-Learning Module (SLM)
Quarter 1 – Module 1: Title
First Edition, 2020

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Development Team of the Module

Writers: Jenneth T. Lambino Florence C. Miano
John F. Villalobos Juliet C. Sagot
Ana Liza C. Suello
Editors: Vanessa C. Vinzon Lea N. Dionaldo
Christine Joy G. Sua
Reviewers: Judie E. Dela Cruz Blessy Mae M. Cabayao Jay Sheen A. Molina
Illustrator: Mahalia J. Carbon
Layout Artist: Melvani H. Deadio II
Cover Art Designer: Ian Caesar E. Frondoza
Management Team: Dr. Allan G. Farnazo, CESO IV – Regional Director
Fiel Y. Almendra, CESO V – Asst. Regional Director
Dr. Ruth L. Estacio, CESO IV- OIC, ASDS
Dr. Carlos G. Susarno
Gilbert B. Barrera – Chief, CLMD
Arturo D. Tingson, Jr. – REPS, LRMS
Peter Van C. Ang-ug – REPS, ADM
Gilda A. Orendain – Subject Area Supervisor
Lalaine SJ. Manuntag PhD – CID Chief
Nelida A. Castillo – Division In Charge of LRMS
Marichu R. Dela Cruz – Division ADM Coordinator

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Office Address: Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

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 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
master the polarity of molecules. The scope of this module permits it to be used in
many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using.

This module contains the competency on how to determine if a molecule is

polar or non-polar given its structure. (S11/12 PS-IIIC-15)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define operationally polar and nonpolar molecule.
2. identify the basic molecular shape and the type of bond of the molecule
3. classify the type of molecule whether polar or nonpolar;
4. draw the Lewis structure of a given molecule;
5. calculate the electronegativity difference of a given molecule;

What I Know

Before we begin with our lesson, let us check how much do you know about polarity
of molecules by answering the following questions.

PRE-TEST. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on the separate sheet
of paper.

1. What factors describe the polarity of a molecule?

a. Bond length and molecular size
b. Bond polarity and molecular size
c. Bond length and molecular shape
d. Bond polarity and molecular shape

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2. Which of the following statements describes a nonpolar molecule?
a. It has dipoles.
b. It has zero net dipole moment.
c. It has a positive and negative ends.
d. It has partial separation of charges.

3. Which of the following is a polar molecule?

a. CO2 (linear)
b. BeCl2 (linear)
c. CH4 (tetrahedral)
d. H2O (bent-shaped)

4. Which of the following is a nonpolar molecule?

a. CCl4 (tetrahedral)
b. SO2 (bent-shaped)
c. H2O (bent-shaped)
d. d. NH3 (trigonal planar)

5. Which of the following steps will NOT help you identify if a molecule is
polar or nonpolar?
a. Determine the net dipole moment.
b. Change some of the atoms in the molecule.
c. Draw the structure or shape of the molecule.
d. Identify the polarity of the individual bonds present in the molecule.

6. Oxygen gas (O2), a very important gas for humans, is a nonpolar

molecule. Which of the following statements support this?
a. It contains only a nonpolar bond.
b. It has positive and negative ends.
c. It does not have a symmetrical shape.
d. The dipole moments do not cancel out.

7. Why is hydrogen chloride considered a polar molecule?

a. Because it has positive ends.
b. Because the net dipole moment of the molecule is zero.
c. Because it is linear and the dipole moments cancel out.
d. Because the bond between hydrogen and chlorine is polar.

8. Which of these is polar?

a. CH4
b. CCl4
c. NH3
d. AgCl

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9. Which statement best explains why carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is
nonpolar?
a. CCl4 is symmetrical.
b. Each Carbon-Chloride bond is polar.
c. Carbon and Chlorine are both nonmetals.
d. CCl4 is an organic compound.

10. Which of the following is a diatomic molecule?

a. Oxygen
b. Ammonia
c. Aluminum
d. Carbon dioxide

11. A type of bond is formed between the two chlorine atoms in a chlorine
molecule is called __________.
a. Ionic
b. metallic
c. Polar covalent
d. nonpolar covalent

12. When two atoms form a chemical bond by sharing electrons, the
resulting molecule will be ________.
a. Polar only
b. Nonpolar only
c. Either polar or nonpolar
d. Neither polar or nonpolar

13. The degree of polarity of a bond is indicated by:

a. The charge on the kernel
b. The shape of the molecule
c. Electronegativity difference
d. Ionization energy difference

14. Which electron dot diagram represents a polar molecule?

a. c.

b. d.

15. Which electron dot diagram represents a polar molecule?

a. c.

b. d.

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 Lesson

1 Polarity of Molecules

Covalent bond is formed through sharing of electrons between both non-metals.

The resulting molecule may be classified as polar or nonpolar. There are two factors
that determine the polarity of the molecules. One is based on electronegativity
difference and the other one is on the molecular shape of the molecule which can
be predicted through the valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory

What’s In

How did you fare in the test? As you go through this module, you will be able to
deepen your understanding in our topic and do better in the next test.

In lesson 2, you were able to explain how the concept of atomic number led to
the synthesis of elements in the laboratory. Here in lesson 3, you will be introduced
to the concept of polarity of molecules.

Chemical bond is a strong force of attraction formed between atoms in order

for them to become stable. There are three types of chemical bond namely: ionic,
covalent and metallic. This module focuses on the types of covalent bond molecules.

Let us check if you really understood your previous lesson.

A. MATCHING TYPE. Match Column A with Column B. Write the chosen

letter on a separate sheet of paper.
COLUMN A COLUMN B
______1. Chemical Bond A. It is a measure of how strongly atoms attract
bonding electrons to themselves.
______2. Covalent Bond B. It is consists of a chemical symbol surrounded
by one to eight dots representing valence
electrons.
______3. Electronegativity C. These are forces that hold atoms together in a
compound.

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______4. Lewis Dot Structure D. It states that atoms gain stability by having
eight valence electrons.
______5. Octet Rule E. It is a bond that exists between both non-metals.

B. COMPLETION TYPE. Complete the table below Write your answer on a

separate sheet of paper.

Element Atomic Number Number Number Mass

Number of of of Number
Protons Electrons Neutrons

Neon 10 10

Bromine 35 80

Argon 18 22

Radon 88 222

Silicon 14 28

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 Notes to the Teacher
Review the students on the concept of atomic number. Then, let them recall on
how to determine the number of electrons, protons, and valence electrons of a
certain element.
Atomic Number is equal to the number of protons and electrons.
Mass Number is the total number of protons and neutrons in a nucleus.
Number of Neutrons is obtained by subtracting number of protons from the
mass number.

What’s New

You will be viewing a video presentation about on how to classify a polar and
nonpolar molecule. Be ready with your pen and take down notes. Please be guided
with this question:

How will you distinguish a polar molecule from a nonpolar molecule?

 Show a video on how to classify a POLAR and NONPOLAR molecule.

([Link]

Guide Questions:
1. What are the types of molecule discussed in the video?
2. Give an example of diatomic molecule mentioned in the video. Why is it
called diatomic? Is a diatomic molecule polar or nonpolar?
3. What are the categories that can classify a molecule as nonpolar? Describe
each category.
4. What is polar molecule? Cite the categories for it to be classified as polar
molecule.
5. How will you distinguish a polar molecule from a nonpolar molecule in
terms of
a. electronegativity difference; and
b. symmetry?

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 What is It

Polarity refers to the way in which atoms bond with each other. When atoms come
together in chemical bonding, they share electrons. A polar molecule arises when one
of the atoms exerts a stronger attractive force on the electrons in the bond. The
electrons get drawn more towards that atom, so that the molecule exhibits a slight
charge imbalance.

The polarity of a bond is determined by a periodic concept called

electronegativity. Electronegativity is an expression of an atom’s tendency to attract
electrons in a chemical bond. In order to determine the polarity od a bond, you must
find the difference in the electronegativities of the atoms involved. If the difference is
between 0.4 and 1.7, the bond will be polar. If the difference is greater, the bond will
have an ionic character. This means that the electrons will be taken from the less
electronrgative element, and spend all of their time orbiting the more electronegative
element. If the difference in the electronegativities is smaller than 0.4, the bond will
be nonpolar covalent. This means that the electrons will be shared equally between
the atoms and the bond will not have a polar character.

Covalent Bond Defined

Covalent is a bond formed through sharing of electrons. It exists between both
non-metals which are highly electronegative compared to metals. Due to the different
or similar number of valence electrons of combining atoms, the resulting molecule
may exhibit polarity.

Types of Molecules
Nonpolar molecules have an electronegativity difference of less than 0.5. It is
symmetrical having usual molecular shapes of linear, tetrahedral or planar.

Polar molecules have an electronegativity difference of greater than 0.5. It is

asymmetrical having usual molecular shapes of bent.

However, there is a possibility that the bond is non-polar based on

electronegativity difference but the molecule as a whole is polar based on its
molecular shape.

Factors in Determining Polarity of Molecules

There are two factors that determine the polarity of molecules. These are:
1. The polarity of the bonds between atoms which can be studied based on
electronegativity; and
2. The geometrical shape of the molecule which can be predicted via the
valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory.
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 What’s More

Perform activity 1.

Activity 1. “Do I Make A Difference?”

Objectives:
1. Calculate the electronegativity difference of the given molecule
2. Classify the types of molecule whether nonpolar or polar
3. Define operationally nonpolar and polar molecule

Materials:
Electronegativity Worksheets, Periodic Table of Elements

Procedures:
1. Using the Periodic Table below, calculate the electronegativity difference of the
given molecules and classify them.

NOTE:
 Nonpolar molecules have an electronegativity difference of 0 – 0.5.
 Polar molecules have an electronegativity difference of 0.6 – 2.0.
 If electronegativity difference is greater than 2.0, the bond is ionic.
 There is a possibility that the electronegativity difference is less than 0.05
and the molecule is classified as polar due to its molecular shape.
2. Refer to the electronegativity values and bonding range given below.

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 Molecule Atom 1 Atom 2 Electronegativity Type of Molecule
Difference (Nonpolar or
(EN) Polar)

1. CCl4 Carbon Chlorine

2. N2 Nitrogen Nitrogen

3. CH4 Carbon Hydrogen

4. H2O Hydrogen Oxygen

5. HF Hydrogen Fluorine

Questions:
1. How do you determine the type of molecule, as to polar or nonpolar molecule that
will form between each pair of atoms?
2. How will the electronegativity difference be used to predict whether the molecule
is polar or nonpolar?
3. Define polar and nonpolar molecule based on the activity.

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END OF THE 1-HOUR SESSION

START OF THE NEXT 1-HOUR SESSION

The second factor that determines the polarity of molecules is the

geometrical shape which can be predicted through the valence shell electron pair
repulsion (VSEPR) theory.

Show a five-minute video showing the geometric shapes under the

VSEPR theory.([Link]

Questions:
1. What are the five basic molecular shapes under VSEPR theory?
2. What would be the shape of the molecule if it has two electron regions? How
about with three and four electron regions?

Activity 2. LET’S DRAW DOTS and LINE!

Objectives:
1. Draw the Lewis structure of a given molecule.
2. Identify the basic molecular shape, name, and the type of bond.

Materials:
1. Activity sheet
2. Periodic Table of Elements

Procedures:
1. Draw the molecule.

 Look for the electronegativity values of each element in your structure.

The least electronegative atom represents the central atom. Hydrogen
is the only exception to this, since it forms one bond only.
 Arrange the remaining atoms symmetrically around the central atom.

2. Apply the Octet Rule for all atoms, except for hydrogen which obeys a
“Duet” rule.

 Each single bond represents two electrons.

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  Begin with the surrounding atoms, place the remaining electrons
around each atom until its Octet is achieved, with the exception of
hydrogen which requires two electrons only.

 If not enough electrons exist to meet the Octet Rule using single bonds,
then double or triple bonds between two atoms are required. If short by
two electrons, try a double bond, and if short by four electrons, try a
triple bond or two double bonds.

3. Determine the basic molecular shape.

 Using the Lewis structure as a guide, determine the appropriate basic
molecular shape for the molecule.
 Note how many electrons are shared and unshared. This will help
determine the appropriate basic molecular shape.

Molecule Electron Dot Lewis Basic Type of

Structure of Structure Molecular Molecule
Combining Atoms Shape
Name

Atom 1 Atom 2

Example:
Tetrahedral Nonpolar
CH4

1. CCl4

2. NH3

3. H2O

4. N2

5. SO2

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Question:
1. What are the common basic molecular shapes of polar molecule? Nonpolar
molecule?

VSEPR Theory

VSEPR stands for Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory. VSEPR
is an important part of the valence bond theory and is a logical next step in the use
of the Lewis structures in organic chemistry.

VSEPR is used to predict the 3D shapes of the molecules made by the

2nd period elements. The main focus in this topic is going to be on the carbon (C),
nitrogen (O), and oxygen (O). Those three elements make the “core” of the organic
molecules, so you’re going to be working with those most of the time.

The premise of the VSEPR is the idea that the electron pairs & bonds
will distribute themselves as far from each other as possible around the central atom.
Think about a bunch of balloons tied to a single point. That would be a pretty
accurate description of the approach.

Summary of Molecular Shapes

Table 1. Summary of Molecular Shapes

Number of Electron Groups on Number of Surrounding Molecular

Central Atom Atoms Shape

any 1 linear

2 2 linear

3 3 trigonal planar

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 Number of Electron Groups on Number of Surrounding Molecular
Central Atom Atoms Shape

3 2 bent

4 4 tetrahedral

trigonal
4 3
pyramidal

4 2 bent

Let’s test your understanding of the two factors in determining the polarity of
molecules by performing the next activity.

Activity 3. IDENTIFY ME!

Choose the term from the box that best describes the statement below.
Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

Valence Electron Polar Molecule Lewis Structure

Electronegativity Nonpolar Molecule VSEPR Theory

________________________1. It has an electronegativity difference of less than 0.5.

________________________2. It measures the relative tendency of an atom to attract
electrons to itself when chemically combined with
another atom.
________________________3. It consists of a chemical symbol surrounded by one to
eight dots representing valence electronegativity
difference is less than 0.5.

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________________________4. It’s an electronegativity difference is greater than 0.5.
________________________5. It refers to the outermost electrons
________________________6. It is a model used to predict the geometry of individual
molecules from the number of electron pairs
surrounding their central atom.

What I Have Learned

From the very start of our lesson, you have learned a lot about polarity of molecules.
In the succeeding activities, you will make generalizations of your learnings.
Now after we have done varied activities let us check how far you understood
our lesson.

Answer the following questions as brief as you can.

1. Define operationally polar and nonpolar molecule.
2. What are the different basic molecular shape?
3. Draw the Lewis Dot structure of elements carbon and oxygen.
4. Based on the electronegativity difference of a given combining atoms, how will
you identify whether the molecule is polar or nonpolar?

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 What I Can Do

We’re almost done with our first lesson. This time, let us connect our lesson to the
real life situation. Below is the list of common polar and non-polar molecules. Are
you familiar with it? Then, answer the task given.

Table 1. List of Common Polar Molecules

Polar Molecules
Common Name Chemical Formula
1. Water H2O

2. Ethyl Alcohol CH3CH2OH

3. Sulfur Dioxide SO2

Table 2. List of Common Nonpolar Molecules

Polar Molecules
Common Name Chemical Formula
1. Gasoline C8H18

2. Nitrogen gas N2

3. Oxygen gas O2

Questions:
1. Choose at least one polar and nonpolar molecule. Cite its beneficial or harmful
effect to human and environment.

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 Assessment

Good Job! Let’s now check your understanding of polarity of molecules. Please read
carefully and answer the questions below.

POST TEST. Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on the separate sheet
of paper.

1. Which of the following compounds is tetrahedral?

a. CS2
b. SO3
c. SC4
d. CH4

2. Which of the following is nonpolar?

a. CS2
b. SO3
c. SC4
d. SF4

3. Which molecular structure is most likely conducive to a polar molecule?

a. Bent
b. Linear
c. Tetrahedral
d. Trigonal Planar

4. A molecular structure that most likely conducive to a nonpolar molecule.

a. See-saw
b. Tetrahedral
c. Trigonal Pyramidal
d. Trigonal Bipyramidal

5. What forces of attraction is present in a polar molecule?

a. Weaker
b. The Same
c. Symmetrical
d. Asymmetrical

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6. A molecule with a difference in electronegativity of 1.6 is _______.
a. Polar
b. Ionic
c. Covalent
d. Nonpolar

7. Water is a polar molecule that is good for dissolving _______.

a. Colloids
b. Nonpolar Molecules
c. Amphiphillic Molecules
d. Polar and Ionic Molecules

8. Which element has the highest electronegativity value?

a. Cl
b. O
c. S
d. Be

9. How would you describe the molecular polarity and the charge distribution of
NF3?
a. Polar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge
b. Polar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge
c. Nonpolar molecule, symmetrical distribution of charge
d. Nonpolar molecule, asymmetrical distribution of charge

10. Polar covalent bonds are caused by_________.

a. unbalanced ionic charges
b. equally shared valence electrons
c. unequal electronegativity values
d. the transfer of electrons from one atom to another

11. Which best describes the shape and polarity of CH 4?

a. Tetrahedral Polar
b. Tetrahedral Nonpolar
c. Trigonal Pyramidal Polar
d. Trigonal Pyramidal Nonpolar

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12. What is the molecular polarity of H2O and Why?
a. It is polar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and its
geometric shape is asymmetrical.
b. It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and
its geometric shape is symmetrical.
c. It is polar, because its charges are distributed symmetrically and its
geometric shape is symmetrical.
d. It is nonpolar, because its charges are distributed asymmetrically and
its geometric shape is asymmetrical.

13. When two atoms form a chemical bond by sharing electrons, the resulting
molecule will be __________.
a. Polar only
b. Nonpolar only
c. Either polar or nonpolar
d. Neither polar or nonpolar

14. Why is hydrogen chloride considered a polar molecule?

a. Because it has positive ends.
b. Because the net dipole moment of the molecule is zero.
c. Because it is linear and the dipole moments cancel out.
d. Because the bond between hydrogen and chlorine is polar.

15. Which of these is polar?

a. CH4
b. CCl4
c. NH3
d. AgCl

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 Additional Activities

Congratulations! You’ve done it well. I know you’ve learned so many things about
polarity of molecules. Now for your additional activity, answer the following
questions as brief as you can. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. List down at least five common substances found in your kitchen. Identify
whether each substance is a nonpolar or polar.
2. Why is table sugar soluble in water but not in oil?

CRITERIA EXPERT ACCOMPLISHED CAPABLE BEGINNER SCORE

(5pts.) (4pts.) (3pts.) (2pts.)

CONTENT  Piece was  Piece was  Piece had  Piece had no

written in an written in an little style style
extraordinary interesting style  Gives some  Gives no new
style  Somewhat new information
 Very informative and information and very
informative well organized but poorly poorly
and well organized organized
organized
GRAMMAR  Virtually no  Few spelling,  A number of  So many
USAGE & spelling, punctuation or spelling, spelling,
MECHANICS punctuation grammatical punctuation punctuations
or errors or and
grammatical grammatical grammatical
errors errors errors that it
interferes the
meaning

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 DISCLAIMER
This Self- learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd
SOCCSKSARGEN with the primary objective of preparing for and addressing
the new normal. Contents of this module were based on DepEd’s Most
Essential Learning Competencies (MELC). This is a supplementary material
to be used by all learners of Region XII in all public schools beginning SY
2020- 2021. The process of LR development was observed in the production
of this module. This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback, comments
and recommendations.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – SOCCSKSARGEN

Learning Resource Management System (LRMS)

Regional Center, Brgy. Carpenter Hill, City of Koronadal

Telefax No.: (083) 2288825/ (083) 2281893

Email Address: region12@[Link]