Polymers

Question 1

What are polymers?

Answer 1

Polymers are long chain molecules made of repeating units.

Question 2

What are monomers?

Answer 2

The repeated units themselves

Question 3

What happens to the double covalent bond when many monomers make a polymer?

Answer 3

It breaks and forms 2 half bonds at either end.

Question 4

What are the essential rules when drawing polymers?

Answer 4

Brackets ‘n bonds.

• Half bonds need to go out of brackets
• n represents the big number of monomers

Question 5

What type of bond links monomers to form polymers?

Answer 5

Covalent bonds

Question 6

Why is a polymer’s property different from the monomer it is made up from?

Answer 6

• There are lots of intermolecular forces as the polymer’s chains overlap.

Question 7

What are intermolecular forces?

Answer 7

Intermolecular forces are weak forces of attraction between molecules.

Question 8

What is the issue with burning polymers when they have been used?

Answer 8

• It releases carbon dioxide, contributing to greenhouse effect.
• Releases poisonous gases

Question 9

What is the issue with polymers being recycled?

Answer 9

• Best option

- Difficult as there are many different plastics.

Question 10

Why do polymers have LOTS of intermolecular forces?

Answer 10

• Because they overlap with many other molecules

Question 11

TRUE OR FALSE

Ethene has same properties as polyethene.

Answer 11

• False.
• Polyethene has different properties because of intermolecular forces.

Question 12

Why are polymers solid at room temperature?

Answer 12

• Many intermolecular forces because layers overlap.
• Require a lot of energy to break.

Question 13

Q.)

Describe structure and bonding in thermosoftening polymer and explain why they melt when heated.

Answer 13

• Large chain molecules
• With weak intermolecular forces between chains.
• Require little energy to break