What are polymers?
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What are polymers?
Polymers are large molecules of high relative molecular mass and are made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers.
What is the process of making polymers called?
The process of making polymers is called addition polymerisation.
How are monomers connected in a polymer?
Each monomer is a repeat unit and is connected to the adjacent units via covalent bonds.
What conditions are usually required for polymerisation reactions?
Polymerisation reactions usually require high pressures and the use of a catalyst.
Give examples of synthetic polymers.
Examples of synthetic polymers include resins, plastics, polystyrene cups, nylon, etc.
State the meaning of monomer.
A monomer is a small molecule that can be reacted together in a polymerisation process to form a polymer.
State the meaning of polymer.
A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers) typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.
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.
Why is the disposal of addition polymers an environmental problem?
Addition polymers are unreactive and chemically inert, so they don't easily biodegrade.
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?
Incinerating polymers releases a lot of heat energy and produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
What is another disadvantage of incinerating polymers like PVC?
Polymers that contain chlorine, such as PVC, release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned.
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.
Explain the meaning of the term landfill.
Landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.
Explain the meaning of the term incineration in the disposal of polymers.
Incineration is the controlled burning of waste materials.
State the meaning of the term recycling.
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
State the meaning of the term biodegradable.
Biodegradable means capable of being decomposed by biological agents, especially bacteria.
True or False?
Incomplete combustion of polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
True.
If incinerated by incomplete combustion, polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.
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.