Teaching intermolecular forces can be quite a stretch! Chemistry scholars experiment with the attractive strength between polar molecules using an interactive resource. Learners test molecules of low, medium, and high polarities by pulling them apart and observing how far the attractive strength reaches between molecules.

Concepts

polar molecules, intermolecular forces, molecules, positive charges, negative charges

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Ask students to describe how difficult it was to separate each pair of molecules
• Reverse the process! Have the class gradually move each molecule toward one another and describe how quickly or easily the molecules reattached
  

Classroom Considerations

• Make sure pupils are clear on the differences between polar and non-polar molecules
  

Pros

• Pulling on the molecules adds a fun element to the lesson
• The behavior of the molecule pairs is very realistic
  

Cons

• None