9.3 Polymers (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry)
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What is a polymer?
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What is a polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule of high relative molecular mass made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers.
What is a monomer?
A monomer is a smaller molecule that links together to form a polymer.
True or False?
Polymerisation reactions usually require low pressures and no catalyst.
False.
Polymerisation reactions usually require high pressures and the use of a catalyst.
What is a synthetic polymer?
A synthetic polymer is a polymer that is manufactured, such as resins, plastics, polystyrene cups, and nylon.
What is a natural polymer?
A natural polymer is a polymer produced by nature, also called a biological polymer.
What type of bonds connect monomers in a polymer?
Monomers in a polymer are connected via covalent bonds.
What are some examples of synthetic polymers?
Some examples of synthetic polymers are resins, plastics, polystyrene cups, and nylon.
What is the process of making polymers called?
The process of making polymers is called polymerisation.
Describe addition polymerisation.
Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are added to form a polymer chain without the loss of any molecules.
Explain the term synthetic polymer.
A polymer that is chemically synthesised, as opposed to natural or biological polymers.
True or False?
Nature produces polymers called natural or biological polymers.
True.
Nature produces polymers called natural or biological polymers.
What is the name of the addition polymer formed from the following alkene?
The name of the polymer formed from the following alkene would be (poly)propene.
What is X?
X is the repeating unit.
How are condensation polymers formed?
Condensation polymers are formed when two different monomers are linked together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water.
What is the key difference between condensation and addition polymers?
In addition polymerisation, only the polymer molecule is formed. In condensation polymerisation, the polymer molecule and one water molecule per linkage are formed.
What functional groups are present in the monomers for condensation polymers?
The monomers have two functional groups present, one on each end.
Give an example of a condensation polymer and its monomers.
An example of a condensation polymer and its monomers is terylene. This is a polyester made from dicarboxylic acid monomers (a carboxylic with a -COOH group at either end) and diols (an alcohol with an -OH group at either end).
What happens when an ester linkage is formed in condensation polymerisation?
For every ester linkage formed in condensation polymerisation, one molecule of water is formed from the combination of a -H and an -OH group.
Explain the term condensation polymerisation.
Condensation polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are reacted together with the loss of a small molecule, such as water.
State the meaning of the term polyester.
Polyester is a type of condensation polymer formed by the reaction between a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, with the elimination of water molecules.
State the meaning of dicarboxylic acid.
A dicarboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid with two -COOH groups, one at each end of the molecule.
State the meaning of the term diol.
A diol is an alcohol with two -OH groups, one at each end of the molecule.
Explain what is meant by an ester linkage.
An ester linkage is the functional group formed when a carboxylic acid and an alcohol react, with the elimination of water.
What is labelled X?
X is an ester linkage.
Why are polymers difficult to dispose of?
Polymers are difficult to dispose of because they are unreactive and chemically inert, so they don't easily biodegrade.
True or False?
Recycling polymers is an easy and inexpensive process.
False.
Recycling polymers is difficult and expensive, as different polymers must be separated from each other.
What is incineration of polymers?
Incineration is the process of burning polymers, which releases a lot of heat energy.
What is the main environmental concern with polymer incineration?
The main environmental concern with polymer incineration is the production of carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas.
What is a disadvantage of disposing of polymers in landfills?
Disposing of polymers in landfills takes up valuable land, as they are non-biodegradable and cannot be broken down by microorganisms.
What is a disadvantage of incinerating polymers like PVC?
Polymers that contain chlorine, such as PVC, release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned.
Explain the meaning of the term landfill.
Landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.
State the meaning of the term recycling.
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
True or False?
Incomplete combustion of polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
True.
If incinerated by incomplete combustion, polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
What is a problem with recycling polymers?
A problem with recycling polymers is different polymers must be separated from each other, which is a difficult and expensive process.
What are the monomers called that make up DNA?
The monomers that make up DNA are called nucleotides.
What type of monomer makes up starch?
Sugars are the type of monomer that make up starch.
What type of polymerisation forms starch?
Condensation polymerisation forms starch.
What type of polymerisation forms proteins?
Condensation polymerisation forms proteins.
Give an example of a protein and it's biological function in the body.
Examples of proteins and their functions are:
Haemoglobin which transports oxygen in the blood
Antibodies in the immune system help protect the body from viruses and bacteria
Enzymes which are biological catalysts
What is the shape of DNA called?
The shape of DNA is called a double helix.
What type of monomer forms protein?
Amino acids join together to make a protein.
