Plastics

Question 1

Polymers

Answer 1

Long chain molecules formed by joining together a large number of small molecules called monomers.

Question 2

Monomers

Answer 2

Small molcules which can be joined together to make polymers

Question 3

How are polymers named?

Answer 3

By adding ‘poly’ to the monomer name
(E.g. ethene -> polyethene)

Question 4

Addition polymerisation

Answer 4

A chemical reaction in which unsaturated monomers are joined, forming a polymer.

Question 4

Name the type of reaction that occurs when alkenes join to form a polymer.

Answer 4

Addition polymerisation

Question 5

Give an example of a natural polymer

Answer 5

Starch
Rubber

Question 6

Give an example of a synthetic polymer

Answer 6

Nylon polystyrene

Question 7

What makes alkenes suitable for addition polymerisation?

Answer 7

The c=c functional group makes alkenes suitable for this type of reaction. The double bond can break allowing the freed electrons to form covalent bonds with neighbouring alkene molecules.

Question 8

What’s a repeating unit?

Answer 8

Its the smallest part of a polymer that repeats to make the whole chain