Polymers (Edexcel GCSE Chemistry) : Revision Note

Stewart Hird

Last updated

Polymers

  • Polymers are very large molecules which are built up by linking together 50 or more smaller molecules called monomers

  • Each repeat unit is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds

  • Some polymers called homopolymers contain just one type of monomer unit

    • Examples of these include poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene), commonly known as PVC

  • Others contain two or more different types of monomer units which are called copolymers which have interesting and useful properties

    • Examples of these include ABS, a copolymer used in producing water pipes and musical instruments

  • Poly(ethene) is a very common type of polymer which is formed from the addition of many ethene monomers together

  • The intermolecular forces between the molecules in a polymer tend to be strong hence many of these substances are solid at room temperature

Making Polythene, IGCSE & GCSE Chemistry revision notes

Polymerisation of ethene monomers produces poly(ethene). The small n signifies that there is a large number of repeat units

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Simply polymers consist of large molecules containing chains of carbon atoms.

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Stewart Hird

Author: Stewart Hird

Expertise: Chemistry Lead

Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Topic Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.

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