C1 9-16 Flashcards
Forces and cross links
The polymer molecules in many plastics are attracted to each other only by weak intermolecular forces. These are easily overcome, so such plastics have low melting points. They are also easily stretched because the molecules can slide past one another.
The polymer molecules in other plastics have strong covalent bonds between them. These cross-links stop the molecules moving apart or past one another. Such plastics have high melting points. They are rigid and cannot be easily stretched.
Why are many polymers not biodegradable?
They can bit be decomposed by bacterial action.
Why are plastics burnt?
Waste plastic can be burnt to release heat energy. This can be used to generate electricity or to heat buildings. The plastic must be burnt at a high temperature to stop toxic gases being made. Unless the heat energy released is used, disposal by burning is a waste of a valuable resource.
What is the problem with recycling polymers?
It must be sorted into separate types of polymer by hand which is difficult and expensive
How do biodegradable polymers work?
In one type, starch is added to poly(ethene) or other polymers during manufacture. Once the polymer gets wet, bacteria break down the starch, causing the plastic item to crumble into very small pieces. Other new polymers dissolve in water. For example, dishwasher detergent tablets are wrapped in a plastic that dissolves once it gets wet in the dishwasher.
How do you know a chemical change has occurred?
• a new substance is made
• the change is irreversible
• an energy change happens.
What happens when you cook an egg?
The texture and appearance of egg white, egg yolk, and meat change when they are cooked. This is because their protein molecules change shape when heated. Once a protein has been denatured, it cannot be changed back again, so the process is irreversible.
What happens when you cook a potato?
When a potato is cooked, the cell walls break. This makes the potato lose its rigid structure and become softer. It also releases the starch grains. These absorb water and swell up. Cooked potato is easier to digest than raw potato.
How does baking powder work?
Baking powder is added to cake mixes to help the cake rise during cooking. It contains sodium hydrogencarbonate. When this is heated, it breaks down and releases carbon dioxide.
Equation for the breakdown of sodium hydrogencarbonate
sodium hydrogencarbonate → sodium carbonate + carbon dioxide + water
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3+H2O+CO2
What are food additives?
Food additives are substances added to food to improve its properties. Many food additives are natural substances such as vinegar. This preserves pickles and other food, and it gives the food a pleasant flavour.
Antioxidant purpose + example
Stops food reaction with oxygen and going off e.g Vitamin C
Food colour purpose + example
Gives food an improved colour which makes it more attractive e.g caramel
Flavour enhancer purpose + example
Improves flavour e.g monosodium glutamate
Emulsifier purpose + example
Stops oil and water separating e.g egg yolk lecithin