Polymers

• What are polymers made up of?


  Polymers are large molecules built up from small units called monomers.
• How do different polymers differ from each other?


  Different polymers have different monomers and/or different linkages.
• What is an example of addition polymerisation using ethene?


  The formation of poly(ethene) is an example of addition polymerisation of ethene.
• What are some uses of poly(ethene)?


  Poly(ethene) is used for plastic bags and clingfilm.
• What is the process of polymerisation?

  Polymerisation is the process of joining a large number of monomers to form a polymer.
• What occurs during addition polymerisation?

  Addition polymerisation occurs when unsaturated monomer units join without losing any molecules or atoms.
• Which type of molecules can undergo addition polymerisation?


  Alkenes can undergo addition polymerisation.
• What are the conditions required for addition polymerisation?


  The conditions required are high pressure, high temperature, and a catalyst.
• What is the repeating unit in poly(ethene)?


  The repeating unit in poly(ethene) is derived from the monomer ethene.
• How many ethene molecules are typically in each poly(ethene) molecule?


  The number of ethene molecules in each poly(ethene) molecule varies between 10,000 and 30,000.
• How do you deduce the structure of a polymer from its monomer?


  Identify the repeat unit, write down its formula, and convert the carbon–carbon single bond into a double bond.
• What are some uses of poly(ethene)?


  Poly(ethene) is used to make plastic toys, clingfilm, plastic bags, and buckets.
• What are the properties of polystyrene?


  Polystyrene is hard, light, and brittle.
• What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for?


  PVC is used to make pipes, raincoats, flooring mats, and thin gloves.
• What is the main issue with non-biodegradable plastics?


  Non-biodegradable plastics do not decompose and lead to waste build-up.
• What are the types of pollution caused by plastics?


  Plastics cause land pollution, water pollution, and air pollution.
• How do plastics endanger marine animals?


  Marine animals mistake plastics for food and can choke on them.
• What are the advantages of using plastics over natural materials?

  Plastics are relatively cheap, easily moulded, light, tough, waterproof, and durable.
• What is the best way to deal with plastic waste?


  The best way to deal with plastic objects is to reuse or recycle them.
• What is the physical method of recycling plastics?


  The physical method involves melting small pieces of plastic into pellets.
• What is the chemical method of recycling plastics?


  The chemical method converts plastics into other forms through different chemical reactions.
• What are some social issues related to recycling plastics?


  Social issues include lack of awareness and the need for communities to adopt recycling as a lifestyle.
• What environmental issues can arise from recycling plastics?


  Wastewater generated from recycling can contaminate water if not treated properly.
• What are some economic issues related to recycling plastics?


  Recycling can cost more than disposal in landfills and has lower market value.
• What is the first step in the recycling process of plastics?


  The first step is sorting the plastics.
• What is the second step in the recycling process of plastics?


  The second step is washing to remove contaminants.
• What is the third step in the recycling process of plastics?


  The third step is shredding into smaller pieces.