CIE IGCSE Chemistry

Topic Questions

11.3 Polymers

11 mark

A macromolecule is a very large molecule.

Macromolecules can be made by joining smaller molecules together. This is called  polymerisation.

Which row in the table describes the formation of a polymer?

  monomer polymer
A ethane poly(ethane)
B ethene poly(ethene)
C ethane poly(ethene)
D ethene poly(ethane)

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21 mark

The diagram shows the structure of an important product.

q2-11-3-easy-cie-igcse-chemistry

This product is formed by …... 1 .….. of an .….. 2 …… .

Which words complete gaps 1 and 2?

  1 2
A addition polymerisation alkane
B addition polymerisation alkene
C cracking alkane
D cracking alkene

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31 mark

Which process produces poly(ethene) from ethene?

  • Cracking

  • Addition polymerisation

  • Fermentation

  • Catalytic addition of steam

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41 mark

Which of the following does not cause a problem from the disposal of non-biodegradable plastics?

  • Waste plastic accumulates in oceans

  • In landfill, they take up valuable space

  • When incinerated, carbon monoxide is produced

  • Heat energy is released when burnt

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51 mark

Poly(ethene) is commonly used to make plastic bags.

Which property of poly(ethene) makes it difficult to dispose of?

  • Excellent resistance to chemical reactions

  • Flexible

  • High strength

  • Good transparency

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11 mark

In which row are the monomer and polymer chain correctly matched?

  monomer part of polymer chain
A CH3CH=CHCH3 –CH(CH3)–CH(CH3)–CH(CH3)–CH(CH3)–
B CH2=CHCl –CHC–CHCl–CHCl–CHCl –
C CH3CH=CH2 –CH3–CH–CH2–CH3–CH–CH2
D CH2=CHCH2CH3 –CH2–CH2–CH2–CH(CH2CH3)–

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21 mark

A polymer has the formula shown.

q2-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

From which monomers can it be formed?

q2-1-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

  • 1 and 2

  • 1 and 3

  • 2 and 4

  • 3 and 4

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31 mark

The equation shows the formation of a polymer called Kevlar.

q3-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

Which row describes Kevlar?

  how the monomer is formed type of polymer
A addition polymerisation polyamide
B addition polymerisation polyester
C condensation polymerisation polyamide
D condensation polymerisation polyester

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41 mark

A polymer can be made from methylpropene.

q4-1-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

Which diagram shows the structure of the polymer?

q4-2-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

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51 mark

Which row shows a natural polymer with the same linkages as a synthetic polymer?

 

natural polymer

synthetic polymer

A

complex carbohydrate

nylon

B

complex carbohydrate

PET

C

protein 

nylon

D

protein

PET

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61 mark

The structure of polylactic acid (PLA) is given below.

q6-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

What is the name given to the polymer link that is circled?

  • Peptide

  • Carbonyl

  • Amino

  • Ester

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71 mark

The structure of a synthetic polymer is shown.

The structure shows the synthetic polymer is a ......1...... . It is formed by ......2...... polymerisation.

q7-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

Which words complete gaps 1 and 2?

  1 2
A polyamide addition
B polyamide condensation
C polyester addition
D polyester condensation

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81 mark

Ethene forms an addition polymer as shown.

q8-11-3-hard-cie-igcse-chemistry

Which terms describe this polymer?

  • A saturated compound called poly(ethane).

  • A saturated compound called poly(ethene).

  • An unsaturated compound called poly(ethane).

  • An unsaturated compound called poly(ethene).

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91 mark

Which two polymers have the same linkages bonding the monomers together?

  • Nylon and complex carbohydrate

  • Nylon and protein

  • PET and complex carbohydrate

  • PET and protein

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11 mark

Which statement about polymers is correct?

  • Addition polymers are all biodegradable.

  • Condensation polymers can all be hydrolysed to give amino acids.

  • Condensation polymers only exist in nature.

  • Forming addition polymers produces only one product.

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21 mark

The diagram shows three repeat units in the structure of an addition polymer.

q2-1-11-3-medium-cie-igcse-chemistry

Which alkene monomer is used to make this polymer?

q2-2-11-3-medium-cie-igcse-chemistry

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31 mark

Which process does not produce carbon dioxide?

  • Combustion of methane

  • Fermentation of sugar

  • Polymerisation of ethene

  • Respiration

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41 mark

Polyesters and polyamides are types of synthetic polymer.

Which statements are correct?

1 They are made by addition polymerisation.
2 They are made by condensation polymerisation.
3 The monomers from which they are made are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
4 The monomers from which they are made contain reactive functional groups at their ends.
  • 1 and 3

  • 1 and 4

  • 2 and 3

  • 2 and 4

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51 mark

Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer.

Which term describes the monomer from which it is formed?

  • A saturated compound called ethane

  • A saturated compound called ethene

  • An unsaturated compound called ethane

  • An unsaturated compound called ethene

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