polymers exam qs

• Polymers are addition or condensation polymers. Polymers can be formed by using the monomers shown in the diagram. Explain from Figure 12, how different polymers can be formed:

  To form poly(chloroethene), you use chloroethene which is addition polymerisation. To form a polyester, you use ethanedioic acid and ethane-1,2-diol, this is condensation polymerisation.

  
• What are alkenes?

  Unsaturated hydrocarbons
• What is the name of the polymer formed?

  Polyethene

  
• What is the name of the polymer formed?

  Polypropene

  
• Explain a problem caused by the disposal of polymers:

  They produce fumes when burnt and they may be toxic, they cannot be recycled, and they are not biodegradable
• Explain the properties required of a good fuel:

  It should ignite and burn easily, it should release sufficient heat energy when burnt, it should be safe to use, transport, and store and be reasonably cheap, there should be a good supply and it should not produce ash when burnt, smoke and should contain little sulphur
• Propane is an alkane. Propane and propene are both gases. Given a sample of each gas, describe a test to show which gas is propane and which gas is propene.

  Add bromine water and shake the tube, if it stays orange the gas is propane, if it turns colourless the gas is propene