The Structure and Properties of Matter

The Properties of a Molecule Based on Its Polarity

Objective
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to relate the polarity of a molecule to its
properties.

Why is sucrose (table sugar) soluble in water? In the previous lesson, you have
learned that both sucrose and water are polar molecules.

In this lesson, you will continue to learn about polar and nonpolar molecules. But this
time, you will relate the polarity of the molecules to their observable properties.

Last Updated: 08.12.16

Example
Study the illustrations below to compare a polar and a nonpolar molecule.

Water molecules are polar. The partially negative end of one molecule is attracted to the
partially positive end of another molecule.
Carbon dioxide molecules are nonpolar. There is a minimal force of attraction between
the molecules.
Based on the interaction of molecules, water is expected to have higher melting and
boiling points than carbon dioxide.

Below are the actual melting and boiling points of the compounds.
Which of the following properties affects the melting and boiling points of molecules?

Incorrect!
1volume
The polarity of a molecule affects the amount of energy needed for phase changes such as melting
and boiling.
Next question
2color3polarity4mass

Which of the following refers to the temperature at which a solid turns into a liquid?

Correct!
2melting point
Melting is the phase change from solid to liquid. Energy is required for the phase change.

Next question
1solubility3boiling point4polarity

Which of the following is insoluble in water?

Correct!
3benzene
Benzene is nonpolar while water is polar. They do not form a solution.

Next question
1sucrose2ammonia4isopropyl alcohol

Which of the following refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas?

Correct!
3boiling point
Boiling is the phase change from liquid to gas. Energy is required for the phase change.

Next question
1melting point2polarity4solubility

Water and oil will not mix because water is , and oil is .

Correct!
4polar ; nonpolar
Water molecules have dipoles (polar) while oil has none (nonpolar). They do not form a solution.
Next question
1nonpolar ; nonpolar2polar ; polar3nonpolar ; polar

Choose the pair that will not form a solution.

Correct!
4water and margarine
Water is polar and margarine is comprised of nonpolar molecules.

Next question
1water and ammonia2water and sugar3water and alcohol