Plastics

Question 1

Explain plastics

Answer 1

Man made materials most being made from crude oil ex. Nylon, polystyrene, PVC, melamine

Question 2

How or by what process is crude oil separated

Answer 2

Separated by fractional distillation

Question 3

What are the two stages of separting crude oil to make plastics

Answer 3

1. Hydrocarbons are seprated from oil. Known as monomers

2. Monomers react together an form long chains called polymers

Question 4

Explain polymerisation

Answer 4

Repeating units(monomers) linking together to form polymers

Question 5

Give properties of plasrics

Answer 5

Very durable
Easily dyed
Can be moulded into many shapes and sizes
Good heat insulators
Good electrical insulators
Do not corrode
Most plastics are non-biodegradable

Question 6

Explain biodegradable

Answer 6

This means bacteria can break down material

Question 7

What happens to plastics when they are burned or heated

Answer 7

They produce harmful gases

Some plastics soften

Question 8

Give three plastics and their uses

Answer 8

Polythene- plastic bags and bottles
Rigid PVC- pipes/gutters and window frames
Polystyrene- yougurt pots and food containers

Question 9

Give four effects on the environment non biodegradable plastics have

Answer 9

Plastic can release harmful fumes if burned
Unsightly
A lot of fossil fuels are used to make plastic
Animals may eat the plastic