polymers

• define a monomer?

  small covalent molecules that can be joined to form a polymer
• define a polymer?

  a repeating chain of monomers joined by covalent bonds to form a long chain
• name the process that joins monomers to form a polymer?

  Polymerization
• What are thermosoftening polymers?

  Polymers that can be easily moulded when heated
• What forces form between polymer chains in thermosoftening polymers?

  weak Intermolecular forces
• Explain how thermosoftening polymers can be reshaped by heating?

  When heated, the weak intermolecular forces between chains break. This lets the chains slide over each other. New intermolecular forces form when it cools down
• What are thermosetting polymers?

  polymers that withstand high temperatures
• What bonds form between polymer chains in thermosetting polymers?

  covalent cross-links
• Explain why thermosetting polymers are able to withstand high temperatures?

  There are many strong covalent bonds that take a lot of energy to break
• Some plastics can be rigid, and others flexible, even though both are held by intermolecular forces. Explain how.

  rigid plastics have many intermolecular forces between polymer chains. Flexible plastics have fewer intermolecular forces between the chains.