macromolecules Flashcards
what is a macromeoleculel?
a very large molecule that si made up fo many small molecules
what is a polymer?
a type of long chain macromolecule that is covalently linked together by many small repeat units called monomers
what are some examples of natural polymers?
DNA, proteins, starch, fat, silk, natural rubber,
what are some examples of synthetic polymers?
polyethene, nylon, terylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene
what is polymerisation?
the process of joining together a large number of monomrs to form a polymer
what is addition polymerisation?
when monomer units join together without losing any molecules or atoms
what monomers are used in addition polymerisation?
alkenes or unsaturated molecules (containing carbon-carbon) double covalent bonds
what are the conditions needed for addition polymerisation?
high pressure + high tempreature + catalyst
what are the uses of polyethene?
to make plastic toys, clingfilm for wrapping fresh vegetables, plastic bags and buckets
what are the uses of polychloroethene?
to make water pipes, raincoats, insualtion for electric cables and wire
what are the uses of polyphenylethene?
to make disposable cups and containers, packaging for electrical goods
what are the uses of perpsex?
used for the windscreen of cars as it is transparent and does not break as easily as glass
what are the uses of polytetrrafluoroethane?
used to coat ‘non-stick’ frying pans and it is chemically inert, heat resistant and repels water
what is condensation polymerisation?
when monomers combine to form a polymer with the removal of a small moleculse such as water or hydrogen chloride
what are the two main groups of condensation polymers?
polyamids + polyesters
what are the two monomers that combine through condensation polymerisation to form nylon?
dicarboxylic acid + diamine
what are the properties of nylon?
strong yet light + can be stretched without breaking
what are the uses of nylon?
made into fibres to make a strong ropes and fishing lines/woven into cloth to make nylon tents, parachutes and raincoats
what are the two monomers that combine through condensation polymerisation to form terylene?
dicarboxylic acid and diol
what are the uses of terylene?
can be used to make the synthetic fibres in clothes, sleeping bags and sails
whaty are advantages of plastics?
relatively cheap + easily moulded into various shapes + light + waterproof + have rgeat strength + durable and do not corrode
what are disadvantages of plastics?
non-biodegradable and leads to a build up of waste and land pollution / flammable and burn easily and produces poisonous gases resulting in air pollution/ plastics thrown into the sea endanger marine animals resulting in water pollution
