5 c) synthetic polymers

Question 1

5.15 understand that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers

Answer 1

Polymerisation: The process of joining together a large number of small molecules (monomers) to from a macromolecule is called polymerisation.

Monomer : Monomers are small units which are joined to form polymer.

Polymer : When repeating monomers are joined together by polymerisation, them form a macromolecule called polymer.

There are two basic types of reactions for forming polymers:

i. Addition polymerisation
ii. Condensation polymerisation

Addition polymerisation occurs when monomer units join together without losing any molecules or atoms.

Question 2

5.16 draw the repeat unit of addition polymers, including poly(ethene), poly(propene) and poly(chloroethene)

Answer 2

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http: //shawonnotes.ucoz.com/IGCSE_Chemistry/images/clip_image110.jpg

Question 3

5.17 deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer

Answer 3

i. Indentify the repeat unit in the polymer.
ii. Write down the formula of the repeat unit.
iii. Convert the carbon-carbon single bond into a carbon-carbon double bond.

Question 4

5.18 describe some uses for polymers, including poly(ethene), poly(propene)

Answer 4

Poly(ethene): Low density poly(ethene) is mainly used to make polythene bags. It is very flexible but not very strong.

Poly(propene): it is used to make ropes and crates.

Question 5

5.19 explain that addition polymers are hard to dispose of as their inertness means that they do not easily biodegrade

Answer 5

Addition polymers are unreactive. So they don’t easily biodegrade.