Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Physical Properties of Organic Molecules – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Organic Physical Properties covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 4 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 4
- Exam-style questions
- 9
- Marks of practice
- 65
- Study time
- ≈ 3 h 35 min
What it covers
This topic explains why organic compounds have different boiling points, melting points and vapour pressures. You link these properties to how strongly the molecules attract one another – London forces, dipole-dipole attraction or hydrogen bonding – and compare molecules by chain length, branching and functional group. Questions usually come from an experiment, with a table or graph of results to interpret and variables to identify.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (physical-properties question typically ≈ 10–15 marks, typically Question 3, plus 1–2 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 3 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Intermolecular forces in organic compounds35 min
- Chain length, branching and the three-step explanation30 min
- Comparing different functional groups30 min
- Solubility, vapour pressure and experimental data30 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples4 sections | 2 h 05 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions9 questions · 65 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 20 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 3 h 35 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 9 exam-style questions on Organic Physical Properties (65 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 4 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Organic Physical Properties? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Organic Physical Properties as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Organic Physical Properties
How many marks is Organic Physical Properties worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (physical-properties question typically ≈ 10–15 marks, typically Question 3, plus 1–2 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 3 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Organic Physical Properties?
About 3 h 35 min: 2 h 05 min for the notes and worked examples in its 4 sections, 1 h 20 min for the 9 exam-style questions (65 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Organic Physical Properties?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Organic Physical Properties as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.