Question

does the shape and polarity of a molecule affect how it interacts with the environment?

Answer 1

Molecules with high polarity are hydrophilic, and mix well with other polar compounds such as water. Molecules that are non-polar or have very low polarity tend to be hydrophobic, and mix well with other non-polar (or nearly non-polar) compounds such as oil. Polarity also affects the strength of intermolecular forces.