Addition polymers

Question 1

How are polymers named?

Answer 1

Poly(monomer)

Question 2

Define the term ‘monomer’

Answer 2

Monomers are the smaller units from which larger molecules are made

Question 3

Define the term ‘polymer’

Answer 3

Polymers are molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together in a chain

Question 4

Why are polymers very strong?

Answer 4

They are made up of very long molecules, which therefore have very strong intermolecular forces.

Question 5

What does ‘inert’ mean?

Answer 5

Inert means does not take part in chemical reactions

Question 6

Why are polymers inert?

Answer 6

Carbon-carbon single bonds are strong and non-polar

Question 7

Why do polymers have a higher melting point than monomers?

Answer 7

Polymers have more electrons, so have stronger London forces, which take more energy to break.