Experiment: demonstrating polar properties

experiment: demonstrating polar properties

this experiment is designed to show some of the polar properties of water.

the materials for this experiment are a ring stand and ring, a plastic cup with a small hole in the bottom, water, a bucket or bowl to catch water, and a plastic comb, piece of pvc pipe, and a balloon.

your job is to observe the experiment and collect your own data from this demonstration.

you will begin with the plastic cup in the ring on the ring stand. [the lab technician shows the small hole in the plastic cup] now add water to the plastic cup. notice the small stream of water. [plastic cup is placed on the ring stand. water is added to the cup and run out the hole in the bottom]

now charge the balloon by rubbing it on your hair. then bring the balloon near the stream of water. record your observations. [the lab technician rubs the balloon on her hair. the balloon is placed near the stream of water and the water bends towards the balloon.]

now charge the comb by running it through your hair. then bring the comb near the stream of water. record your observations. [she runs the comb through her hair and then holds it near the stream of water and the water bends towards the comb.]

bring a piece of pvc pipe near the stream of water. record your observations. [the pvc pipe is held near the water and the water bends towards the pvc pipe.]

analysis and conclusions

now analyze what happened in the video. submit your observations and answers to the questions in the essay box below.

analyze the shape of h2o.
what is the shape of the h2o molecule?
is it symmetrical?
does this mean that the h2o molecule is polar or nonpolar?
how do your answers to the questions in 1 explain your observations of what happened to the stream of water?
analyze the bonds of ccl4.
what is the shape of the ccl4 molecule?
is it symmetrical?
does this mean that the ccl4 molecule is polar or nonpolar?
assume that the water stream is replaced by a stream of ccl4. predict what would happen in each case:
charged comb
pvc pipe
charged balloon
explain your predictions.