4(h) Synthetic polymers

Question 1

polymers?

Answer 1

large molecules of high relative molecular mass

Question 2

how are polymers compsoed?

Answer 2

by linking together smaller molecules called monomers

Question 3

addition polyerms?

Answer 3

the linking of monomers

Question 4

what are some examples of polymers?

Answer 4

everyday objects like resin, plastic, polystyrene cups, nylon

Question 5

types of polymers (2);

Answer 5

• synthetic (manufactured)
• natural/ biological (obtained from the environment)

Question 6

monomer?

Answer 6

each one is a repeating unit, connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds

Question 7

polymerisaton?

Answer 7

is a reaction that usually requires high pressure and the use of a catalyst to create continuous chains of monomers (polymers)

Question 8

poly(propene)?

Answer 8

have one CH3 on it

Question 9

poly(chloroethene)

Answer 9

has on Cl bond

Question 10

poly(tetrafluoroethene)

Answer 10

instead of H it is F

Question 11

why don’t addition polymers biodegrade?

Answer 11

they have very strong covalent bonds which makes them unreactive and chemically inert so don’t easily biodegrade

Question 12

where were waste polyremes disposed?

Answer 12

in landfill sire but this takes valuable land as addition polymers are non-biodegradable so micro-organism cannot break them down.

Question 13

ways to dispose addition polymers?

Answer 13

• landfills
• incineration
• recycling

Question 14

incineration?

Answer 14

• this means the destruction of something, especially waste material, by burning.

Question 15

problems with using incineration for addition polymers?

Answer 15

• Polymers release a lot of heat energy when they burn and produces carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change
• Polymers that contain chlorine such as PVC release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned
• If incinerated by incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide will be produced which is a toxic gas that reduces the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen

Question 16

recyling?

Answer 16

• can be recycled but different polymers must be separated from each other and this process if difficult and expensive.