Polymers (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award): Chemistry): Flashcards
Exam code: 0654 & 0973
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What is a polymer?
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What is a polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule built up from many smaller molecules called monomers, each joined to the next by covalent bonds.
In addition polymerisation of ethene, the C=C ______ bond in each monomer breaks so the monomers can join together.
In addition polymerisation of ethene, the C=C double bond in each monomer breaks so the monomers can join together.
True or False?
Addition polymerisation of ethene produces poly(ethene) and water.
False.
Addition polymerisation produces only one product, poly(ethene). No other molecules are released during the reaction.
What monomer is used to make poly(ethene)?
Poly(ethene) is made from ethene monomers. Many ethene molecules join together in addition polymerisation to form the long-chain polymer.
Poly(ethene), PVC and nylon are all examples of ______.
Poly(ethene), PVC and nylon are all examples of polymers.
Why must an alkene, rather than an alkane, be used as a monomer for addition polymerisation?
An alkene must be used because addition polymerisation requires the C=C double bond to break and form new bonds with adjacent monomers. Alkanes have only single bonds and cannot do this.
What is condensation polymerisation?
Condensation polymerisation is a process in which two different monomers link together repeatedly with the removal of a small molecule (usually water) to form a polymer.
In addition polymerisation, ______ product is formed, whereas in condensation polymerisation a ______ molecule is also produced at each linkage.
In addition polymerisation, one product is formed, whereas in condensation polymerisation a water molecule is also produced at each linkage.
What two functional groups are present in the monomers used to make nylon?
The monomers used to make nylon each carry a -COOH (carboxylic acid) group and an -NH2 (amine) group. These groups react to form amide linkages.
True or False?
Nylon is an addition polymer made from alkene monomers.
False.
Nylon is a condensation polymer (a polyamide) made from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine, not from alkene monomers.
How do you deduce the monomer of an addition polymer from its repeat unit?
To deduce the monomer, identify the repeat unit, then change the single bond in the repeat unit back to a C=C double bond and remove the continuation bonds at each end.
Nylon is classified as a poly______ because it contains amide linkages formed between -COOH and -NH2 groups.
Nylon is classified as a polyamide because it contains amide linkages formed between -COOH and -NH2 groups.
What is the key difference between the monomers used in addition polymerisation and those used in condensation polymerisation?
Addition polymerisation uses alkene monomers containing a C=C double bond (one type of monomer).
Condensation polymerisation uses two different monomers, each with two functional groups, one at each end.
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