Polymers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE 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.
What type of bonds connect monomers in a polymer?
Monomers in a polymer are connected via covalent bonds.
True or False?
Poly(ethene) is an addition monomer formed from ethene monomers.
True.
Poly(ethene) is and addition monomer formed from ethene monomers.
What is the process of making polymers called?
The process of making polymers is called polymerisation.
Describe addition polymerisation. (Extended tier only)
Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are added to form a polymer chain without the loss of any molecules.
What is the name of the addition polymer formed from the following alkene? (Extended tier only)
The name of the polymer formed from the following alkene would be (poly)propene.
What is X? (Extended tier only)
X is the repeating unit.
How are condensation polymers formed? (Extended tier only)
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? (Extended tier only)
In addition polymerisation, only the polymer molecule is formed.
In condensation polymerisation, the polymer molecule and one small molecule (typically water) per linkage are formed.
How many functional groups are present in the monomers for condensation polymers?
The monomers have two functional groups present, one on each end.
What happens when an ester linkage is formed in condensation polymerisation? (Extended tier only)
A small molecule is lost, usually water.
What is a dicarboxylic acid? (Extended tier only)
A dicarboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid with two -COOH groups, one at each end of the molecule.
What is a diol? (Extended tier only)
A diol is an alcohol with two -OH groups, one at each end of the molecule.
What is labelled X? (Extended tier only)
X is an ester linkage.
True or false?
The following polymer is a polyester.
(Extended tier only)
False.
The following polymer is a polyamide.
What is the structure of the monomer that forms this polymer? (Extended tier only)
The monomer which forms the polymer is:
Name the functional group in the polymer below.
The functional group in the polymer below is a carboxylic acid group.
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.
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.
True or False?
Incomplete combustion of polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
True.
If incinerated by incomplete combustion, polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
True or False?
Waste plastic can accumulate in oceans and disrupt marine life.
True.
Waste plastic can accumulate in oceans and disrupt marine life.
True or False?
PET can be converted back into monomers and re-polymerised. (Extended tier only)
True.
PET can be converted back into monomers and re-polymerised.
True or False?
Proteins are examples of condensation polymers.
True.
Proteins are examples of condensation polymers.
Which two functional groups are found in amino acids?
Amino acids contain the amine / NH2 and carboxylic acid / COOH functional groups.
Name the type of monomers that make up proteins.
The monomers that make up proteins are amino acids.
True or False?
There are approximately 30 amino acids.
False.
There are approximately 20 amino acids.
True or False?
Proteins are natural polyesters.
False.
Proteins are natural polyamides.
