3.1

Question 1

Important characteristics of carbon and hydrocarbons

Answer 1

Carbon is unique among the elements in its ability to form strongly bonded chains, sealed off by hydrogen atoms. These hydrocarbons, extracted naturally as fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), are mostly used as fuels.

Question 2

Functional groups and whether they are polar, charged, or nonpolar

Answer 2

Polar: Hydroxyl, Carbonyl
Nonpolar: Methyl
Charged: Carboxyl

Question 3

Relationship between monomers and polymers

Answer 3

Monomers are the building block of polymers. Polymers are basically repeats of monomers. These monomers can be of one type or more than one type. Monomers are small molecules, mostly organic, that can join with other similar molecules to form polymers.

Question 4

Compare and contrast dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis

Answer 4

Dehydration synthesis reactions build molecules up and generally require energy, while hydrolysis reactions break molecules down and generally release energy.