Addition polymers

• What are polymers made of?

  They are made by joining small molecules.
• What type of monomers are used to make addition polymers?

  Unsaturated monomers.
• What do addition polymers consist of?

  Substances of high average relative molecular mass.
• What are the repeating units in addition polymers called?

  Monomers.
• What type of bond do the monomers in addition polymers have?

  A double covalent bond.
• What can unsaturated monomer molecules do?

  Open up their carbon-carbon double bonds.
• What is the process called when unsaturated monomers join together?

  Addition polymerization.
• What happens to ethene during polymerization?

  It becomes a polymer chain.
• What is the formula for the polymer formed from ethene?

  (C₂H₄)_n.
• How do you denote a polymer from a monomer?

  By placing the monomer formula in brackets.
• What does the term "poly" in polymer signify?

  It means many.
• How do you create the formula for a polymer?

  Put the monomer formula in brackets and add 'n'.
• What is the repeating unit in a polymer derived from propene?

  (C₃H₆)_n.
• What is the significance of drawing the displayed formula of a polymer?

  It shows the structure of the polymer chain.
• How do you represent the bonds in a polymer chain?

  By drawing the carbon atoms in a row.
• What do you do with the brackets when writing a polymer formula?

  Place the monomer formula inside brackets.
• What is the purpose of using brackets in polymer formulas?

  To indicate the repeating unit of the polymer.
• What does the 'n' in polymer formulas represent?

  The number of repeating units.
• How do you show that a polymer is made from many monomers?

  By using the prefix 'poly' in the name.
• What is the relationship between monomers and polymers?

  Polymers are made from many monomers.
• What is the general structure of a polymer chain?

  A long chain of repeating units.
• Why is it important to understand polymer structures?

  It helps predict their properties and uses.
• How can the structure of a polymer affect its properties?

  Different structures lead to different physical properties.
• What is the formula for an addition polymer?

  It is derived from the displayed formula of its monomer.
• How are carbons joined in an addition polymer?

  Carbons are joined in a row with double bonds.
• What should you do to show that there are lots of monomers?

  Stick a pair of brackets around the repeating bit.
• What should you draw from each carbon in the chain?

  Draw a bond from each carbon in the chain.
• Example of addition ploymerisation


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• What is the reverse process to get from the polymer to the monomer?

  Just do the reverse of the polymerization process.
• What happens to the two bonds going out through the brackets?

  Get rid of the two bonds going out through the brackets.
• What is true about most addition polymers?

  Most addition polymers are inert and don't react easily.
• Why are carbon-carbon bonds in polymers strong?

  Because they are very strong and not easily broken.
• What does it mean that addition polymers take a long time to degrade?

  It means they are not easily broken down by bacteria.
• What happens if you bury addition polymers in landfills?

  They will still be there years later.
• What can burning plastics release?

  Burning plastics can release toxic gases.
• Why is it not a great idea to burn plastics?

  Because it can release toxic gases into the air.
• What is the best way to dispose of polymers?

  Reuse them as many times as possible and recycle.
• Another examples of addition polymerisation 


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