18.1 Introducing polymers

Question 1

What is a polymer?

Answer 1

A substance containing very large molecules created by joining small molecules together

Question 2

How can you make the polymer of ethene?

Answer 2

You heat it to 50 degrees, with some atmospheric pressure and over a special catalyst. It turns into a waxy white solid.

It is used to make toys dustbins tables chair pipes buckets crates washing up bowls etc

Question 3

How do you draw the polymer of a monomer?

Answer 3

You break the C=C bonds and connect the Carbons to other substances of (Carbon again) with a single bond

Question 4

How do you name a polymer?

Answer 4

You write ‘poly’ the the name of the substance you are polymerization

Question 5

What is polymerization?

Answer 5

When thousands of small molecules join to give one large molecule. Small molecules are called monomers. The product is a polymer.

Question 6

What is a synthetic polymer?

Answer 6

Made in a factory. Such as nylon, teryoene, Lycra, chewing gum, plastics like polystyrene and Perspex.

Hair and shower gels contain water-soluble polymers.

Question 7

Name some natural polymers

Answer 7

Starch= made from glucose 
Cellulose= made from glucose
Proteins= made from amino acids

Skin, hair, bones, muscles are made of proteins.

Clothing is made from cellulose (Cotton)

Question 8

Where is keratin found?

Answer 8

In hair, nails, wood, silk and horns and claws.

Question 9

What is the polymer in skin and bones called?

Answer 9

Collagen

Question 10

What is the name of the 2 types of reaction that take place in polymerization.

Answer 10

Condensation

Addition reaction