U3S3 addition polymers

Question 1

What is a polymer

Answer 1

• long chain molecules formed when lots of small molecules, called monomers, join together

Question 2

Properties of polymers

Answer 2

• inert as are saturated and main carbon chain is usually non-polar
• longer chains with fewer branches have stronger im forces so are stronger and more rigid

Question 3

Poly(chloroethene)

Answer 3

• covalent bond between chlorine and carbon atom is polar, chlorine is more electronegative
• permanent dipole-dipole forces
• hard but brittle

Question 4

Plasticisers

Answer 4

• increase flexibility of a polymer
• plasticiser molecules get between polymer chains and push them apart, reducing strength of im forces between chains