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11
GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1
Semester II – Week 13
Geometry and Polarity of Simple
Compounds and Molecules

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
Senior High School– Grade 11
Contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (CLAS)
Semester II - Week 13: Geometry and Polarity of Simple Compounds
and Molecules
First Edition, 2020

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 Lesson 1
Geometry and Polarity of Simple
Compounds and Molecules

MELCs: Describe the geometry of simple compounds (STEM_GC11CB-IId-g-81).

Determine the polarity of simple molecules (STEM_GC11CB-IId-g-82).

Objectives: 1. Define geometry and polarity of simple compounds and molecules.

2. Describe the geometry of simple compounds.
3. Discuss the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model.
4. Determine the polarity of simple molecules.

Let’s Try
Directions: Read each question/statement carefully and select the correct answer from the
given choices. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided before the number.

_____ 1. What pertains to the measure of how equally or unequally the electrons are
distributed in a molecule?
A. bond polarity C. molecular polarity
B. dipole moment D. net dipole moment

_____ 2. What are the bases in determining the polarity of a molecule?

A. Lewis structure and valence electrons
B. Polarity of bonds and the molecular geometry/shape
C. Electronegativity difference and number of electron domains
D. Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion model and magnitude of a bond dipole
moment

_____ 3. What refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule?

A. Lewis structure C. polarity
B. molecular geometry D. VSEPR model

_____ 4. What causes molecules to follow specific geometrical shapes?

A. Attraction of protons and neutrons in the nucleus
B. Repulsion of electron domains or groups within a molecule
C. Attraction between the partially positive and negative sides of a molecule
D. Repulsion between the partially positive and negative sides of a molecule

_____ 5. The ability of an atom in a molecule to attract electrons to itself is known as

___________.
A. bond polarity C. net dipole moment
B. electronegativity D. polarity

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_____ 6. Which of the following is NOT true about molecular geometry?
A. Molecular geometry determines the polarity of bonds present in a molecule.
B. A molecule’s geometry affects its physical and chemical properties as well as
the types of reactions it undergoes.
C. The approach to the study of molecular geometry is called the valence-shell
electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model.
D. The geometry of a molecule can be predicted through the number of electrons
surrounding a central atom in its Lewis structure.

In numbers 7-9, refer to this molecule: PCl3

_____ 7. What is the electronegativity difference and bond polarity of the molecule?
A. 0.3, nonpolar C. 0.9, polar
B. 0.7, non polar D. 1.9, polar

_____ 8. What is the geometry of the molecule?

A. bent C. trigonal planar
B. tetrahedral D. trigonal pyramidal
_____ 9. What is the polarity of the molecule?
A. dipole C. net dipole
B. polar D. nonpolar

_____ 10. In the VSEPR model, a single unpaired electron, lone pair, electron pair or single
bond, double bond, and triple bond on the central atom can be classified as
__________.
A. bonding domains/groups
B. electron domains/groups
C. non-bonding domains/groups
D. valence-shell electron-pair repulsion domains/groups

Let’s Explore and Discover

Have you ever wondered why certain substances do not mix even
Unlocking of if you try every possible way to combine them? Take water and oil for
Difficulties example. What causes these substances to possess such interesting
properties? In this lesson, you will learn the geometrical shapes of
Valence shell is molecules together with their polarities.
the outermost
Molecular geometry is the
electron- three-dimensional arrangement of
occupied shell atoms in a molecule. A molecule’s
of an atom; it geometry affects its physical and
holds the chemical properties as well as the
electrons types of reactions it undergoes.
involved in There is a simple way to predict the
bonding. overall geometry of a molecule or
ion and that is through the number
of electrons surrounding a central
atom in its Lewis structure. The
basis developed from this approach is the assumption
Figure 1. A bent/angular
that electron pairs in the valence shell of an atom repel geometrical shape of a molecule
one another.

2
 In a covalent bond, a pair of electrons (bonding pair), is responsible for holding two
atoms together. However, in a polyatomic molecule, where there are two or more bonds
between the central atom and the surrounding atoms, the repulsion between electrons in
different electron domains or bonding pairs causes them to repel from one another. This
approach to the study of molecular geometry is called the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair
Repulsion (VSEPR) model.
This model is based on the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory
which assumes that a molecule will attain a geometrical shape that minimizes the repulsion
among the valence electrons of the atoms. Simply put, the VSEPR model is established on the
idea that electron domains or groups are negatively charged and therefore repel one another.
An electron domain or group can be a single unpaired electron, lone pair, electron pair or
single bond, double bond, and a triple bond on the central atom. Figure 1 shows how the
three electron domains repel one another causing an approximate bond angle of 116º.

Simplified sequence of steps in determining molecular geometry is as follows:

Count the Determine the

Draw the Lewis Identify the
number of geometry based
structure bonding pairs
electron pairs on bonding pairs

Practice exercise #1
Use the VSEPR model to predict the geometry of carbon dioxide (CO 2).

1. Draw the Lewis structure.

The Lewis structure of carbon dioxide (CO2).

1 3
2. Count the number of electron pairs.
2 4

There are four electron pairs in the central

atom.

1 2
3. Identify the bonding pairs.

In applying VSEPR model, double and triple

bonds are treated as they were single
bonds, thus there are 2 bonding pairs.

1 2
4. Determine the geometry based on
bonding pairs.
Carbon dioxide has two electron domains
and its molecular geometry (CO2) is linear.

Practice exercise #2
Use the VSEPR model to predict the geometry of ammonia (NH3).

1. Draw the Lewis structure.

The Lewis structure of ammonia (NH3).

3
 4
2. Count the number of electron pairs. 1 3

There are four electron pairs in the central

atom.

3. Identify the bonding pairs. 1 3

The geometry of a molecule is determined

by arrangement of bonding pairs of atoms,
thus removing the lone pair leaves us with
three bonding pairs.

4. Determine the geometry based on 4

bonding pairs.

1 3

Ammonia (NH3) has four electron domains

(1 lone pair being the 4th electron domain)
and its molecular geometry is trigonal
pyramidal.

Table of VSEPR Model

Number Bonding Nonbonding Approximate Molecular Geometry Example
of domains domains or bond angle
electron or groups
domains groups
or
groups

2 2 0 180º CO2
linear

3 3 0 120º BF3

trigonal planar

4
3 2 1 116º SO2

bent

4 0 CH4

109.5º tetrahedral

4 3 1 NH3

trigonal pyramidal

2 2 104.5º H2O

bent

5 0 PCl5

trigonal bipyramidal
5 120º and 90º

4 1 SF4

seesaw

5
 3 2 120º and 90º ClF3

T-shaped
5

2 3 180º (bonding XeF2

pairs)

linear

6 0 SF6

90 º octahedral

6 5 1 BrF5

square pyramidal

XeF4
4 2

square planar

Polarity of Simple Molecules

When atoms bond together to form a molecule, electrons may be shared either equally
or unequally. This results to a property of molecules which is known as polarity. Molecular
polarity is a measure of how equally or unequally the electrons are distributed in a molecule.
Polar molecules have unequal distribution of electrons whereas nonpolar molecules have
equal distribution of electrons.

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The polarity of a molecule is based on the following:

1. Polarity of its bonds based on electronegativity difference

Electronegativity is defined as the ability of an atom in a molecule to attract electrons
to itself. The greater an atom’s electronegativity, the greater is its ability to attract electrons.
The electronegativity difference of a molecule is obtained from subtracting the
electronegativities of the elements. A molecule with an electronegativity difference of 0.4 or
less is considered as nonpolar and if it is 0.5 to 1.7 then the molecule is polar. Remember
that bond polarity is different from molecular polarity because it only shows the polarity of
covalent bonds between the atoms in a molecule while molecular polarity explains the overall
polarity of a molecule. Bond polarity is completely dependent on differences in
electronegativities and the periodic table of elements provides key information including
electronegativity.

2. Molecular geometry/shape based on the VSEPR model

Whenever two electrical charges of equal magnitude but opposite sign are separated by
a distance, a dipole is established. Dipole means two poles, the partially positive side ( δ+ )
and the partially negative side( δ- ). The quantitative measure of the magnitude of a dipole is
called dipole moment and it is represented by an arrow with a plus sign on one end ( ).
This arrow points toward the more electronegative atom of a molecule. If the shape of a
molecule is symmetrical, such as linear and tetrahedral, the individual dipole moments cancel
each other out causing the net dipole moment to be zero. If the net dipole is zero, the molecule
is nonpolar because there is no charge separation. On the other hand, if the shape of a
molecule is asymmetrical, such as bent and trigonal pyramidal, the bond dipole moments
cannot cancel each other out. As a result, the molecule has a net dipole moment (nonzero)
and therefore is classified as a polar molecule.

However, there are many instances where the bond polarity is polar but the molecular
shape is symmetrical (nonpolar). Because of this, the geometry of the molecule will dictate
that the net dipole moment is zero, making the molecule a nonpolar. We can say that the
molecular geometry is more prioritized than the bond polarity in determining the overall
polarity of a molecule. To summarize the concept of molecular polarity, let’s have a
comparison between a polar and a nonpolar molecule:

Polar molecule Nonpolar molecule

Electronegativity difference 0.5 to 1.7 0.4 or less
Molecular geometry asymmetrical symmetrical
Distribution of electrons unequal equal
Net dipole moment nonzero zero

Practice exercise #1
Determine the molecular polarity of methane (CH4).
1. Identify the polarity of its bonds based Element Electronegativity
on electronegativity difference. carbon (C) 2.5
hydrogen (H) 2.1
0.4
The electronegativity difference of methane
(CH4) is 0.4, thus the polarity of its bonds is
non-polar.
2. Determine the molecular geometry or
shape based on the VSEPR model.

7
 The molecular geometry is tetrahedral and
is symmetrical, thus the dipole moments
cancel each other out causing the net dipole
moment to be zero. Therefore, methane
(CH4) is a nonpolar molecule.

Practice exercise #2
Determine the molecular polarity of water (H20).
1. Identify the polarity of its bonds based Element Electronegativity
on electronegativity difference. oxygen (0) 3.5
hydrogen (H) 2.1
1.4
The electronegativity difference of water
(H2O) is 1.4, thus the polarity of its bonds
is polar.
2. Determine the molecular geometry or
shape based on the VSEPR model.

The molecular geometry is bent and is

asymmetrical, thus the dipole moments
cannot cancel each other out causing the
net dipole moment to be nonzero. Therefore,
water (H2O) is a polar molecule.

Practice exercise #3
Determine the molecular polarity of sulfur trioxide (SO3).
1. Identify the polarity of its bonds based Element Electronegativity
on electronegativity difference. oxygen (O) 3.5
sulfur (S) 2.5
1
The electronegativity difference of sulfur
trioxide (SO3) is 1, thus the polarity of its
bonds is polar.
2. Determine the molecular geometry or
shape based on the VSEPR model.

The molecular geometry is trigonal planar

and is symmetrical. Although the polarity of
its bond is polar, the geometry of the
molecule will dictate that the net dipole
moment is zero because they cancel each
other out, making the molecule a nonpolar.

(Source: “Polarity of Molecules.” Chemistry LibreTexts, accessed April 28, 2021.

https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/28106.
Source: “Geometry of Molecules.” Chemistry LibreTexts, accessed April 28, 2021.
https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/1991.)
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 Let’s Practice

ACTIVITY 1 Directions: Arrange the following steps in determining molecular

geometry. Label them from I - IV and write your answer on the
space provided before the number.

_____ 1. Count the number of electron pairs.

_____ 2. Determine the geometry based on bonding pairs.
_____ 3. Draw the Lewis structure.
_____ 4. Identify the bonding pairs.

ACTIVITY 2 Directions: Match the following descriptions in Column A with

the terms found in Column B. Write the letter of your answer on
the space provided before the number.

COLUMN A COLUMN B
_____ 1. It is defined as the ability of an atom in a molecule to A. Dipole moment
attract electrons to itself.
B. Molecular geometry
_____ 2. This is a measure of how equally or unequally the C. Electronegativity
electrons are distributed in a molecule.
D. Molecular polarity
_____ 3. This is based on the idea that electron domains or
E. VSEPR model
groups are negatively charged and therefore repel one
another.
_____ 4. The quantitative measure of the magnitude of a
dipole.
_____ 5. A three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a
molecule.

How does polarity affect the properties of molecules?

Let’s Do More
Directions: Identify the geometry of the following molecules.
ACTIVITY 1 Write your answer on the space provided before the number.

______________ 1. silane (SiH4) ______________ 4. sulfur hexachloride (SCl 6)

______________ 2. boron trichloride (BCl 3) ______________ 5. oxygen difluoride (OF2)
______________ 3. beryllium chloride (BeCl 2)

9
ACTIVITY 2 Directions: Determine the polarity of the following molecules.
Write P if the molecule is polar and NP if nonpolar. Write your
answer on the space provided before the number.

______ 1. boron trichloride (BCl 3) ______ 4. carbon tetrafluoride (CF4)

__________ 2. nitrogen dioxide (NO2) ______ 5. hydrochloric acid (HCl)
______ 3. phosphorus pentachloride (PCl 5)

Why is polarity important in life? What will happen if water

loses its ability to dissolve a variety of molecules?

Let’s Sum It Up

Directions Complete the paragraph below by filling in the blanks with

correct terms contained in the word pool. Write your answer on
the blank.

chemical three-dimensional molecular geometry minimizes

VSEPR theory shared nonpolar polarity
unequal electronegativity difference VSEPR model bond

Molecular geometry is the (1) __________________ arrangement of atoms in a molecule. A

molecule’s geometry affects its physical and (2) __________________ properties as well as
the types of reactions it undergoes. The approach to the study of (3) __________________
is called the valence-shell electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model. This model is based on
the (4) __________________ which assumes that a molecule will attain a geometrical shape
that (5) __________________ the repulsion among the valence electrons of the atoms. When
atoms (6) __________________ together to form a molecule, electrons may be (7)
__________________ either equally or unequally. This results to a property of molecules
which is known as (8) __________________. Polar molecules have (9) __________________
distribution of electrons whereas (10) __________________ molecules have equal
distribution of electrons. The overall polarity of a molecule is based on the polarity of its
bonds based on (11) __________________ and the molecular geometry/shape based on the
(12) __________________.

10
 Let’s Assess
Directions: Read each question/statement carefully and select the correct answer from the
given choices. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided before the number.

_____ 1. What refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule?

A. Lewis structure C. polarity
B. molecular geometry D. VSEPR model

_____ 2. What causes molecules to follow specific geometrical shapes?

A. Attraction of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.
B. Repulsion of electron domains or groups within a molecule.
C. Attraction between the partially positive and negative sides of a molecule.
D. Repulsion between the partially positive and negative sides of a molecule.

_____ 3. Which of the following is NOT true about molecular geometry?

A. Molecular geometry determines the polarity of bonds present in a molecule
B. A molecule’s geometry affects its physical and chemical properties as well as
the types of reactions it undergoes
C. The approach to the study of molecular geometry is called the valence-shell
electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) model
D. The geometry of a molecule can be predicted through the number of electrons
surrounding a central atom in its Lewis structure

_____ 4. In the VSEPR model, a single unpaired electron, lone pair, electron pair or single
bond, double bond, and triple bond on the central atom can be classified as
__________.
A. bonding domains/groups
B. electron domains/groups
C. non-bonding domains/groups
D. valence-shell electron-pair repulsion domains/groups

_____ 5. What pertains to the measure of how equally or unequally the electrons are
distributed in a molecule?
A. bond polarity C. molecular polarity
B. dipole moment D. net dipole moment

_____ 6. The ability of an atom in a molecule to attract electrons to itself is known as

___________.
A. bond polarity C. net dipole moment
B. electronegativity D. polarity

_____ 7. What are the bases in determining the polarity of a molecule?

A. Lewis structure and valence electrons
B. Polarity of bonds and the molecular geometry/shape
C. Electronegativity difference and number of electron domains
D. Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion model and magnitude of a bond dipole
moment

In numbers 8-9, refer to this molecule: PCl3

_____ 8. What is the electronegativity difference and bond polarity of the molecule?
A. 0.3, nonpolar C. 0.9, polar
B. 0.7, non polar D. 1.9, polar

11
_____ 9. What is the geometry of the molecule?
A. bent C. trigonal planar
B. tetrahedral D. trigonal pyramidal

_____ 10. What is the polarity of the molecule?

A. dipole C. net dipole
B. polar D. nonpolar

Answer Key

Let’s Practice Let’s Do More 1.Let’s

D Try Let’s Assess
1. C 6. A 1. B 6. B
2. B 7. C
6. C 2. B 7. B
1. II 1. tetrahedral 3. B
2. B 8. D 3. A 8. C
2. IV 2. trigonal planar
3. I 4. B 9. B 4. B 9. D
3. linear 5. B 10. B 5. C 10. B
4. III 4. octahedral 7. A
5. bent
5. B
Let’s Sum It Up
1. C 4. A 1. NP 4. NP 1. three-dimensional 7. shared
10. B
2. chemical 8. polarity
2. D 5. B 2. P 5. P
3. molecular geometry 9. unequal
3. E 3. NP
4. VSEPR theory 10. nonpolar
5. minimizes 11.electronegativity
6. bond difference
12. VSEPR model

References
Website

Chemistry LibreTexts. “Polarity of Molecules.” Accessed April 28, 2021.

https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/28106.

Chemistry LibreTexts. “Geometry of Molecules.” Accessed April 28, 2021.

https://chem.libretexts.org/@go/page/1991

Lumen Introduction to Chemistry. “Table of Geometries” . Accessed April 29, 2021.

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/introchem/chapter/table-of-geometries/.

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