Polymers

Question 1

What is a polymerisation ?

Answer 1

When lots of small molecules (monomers) join together in to a long chain to form one big molecule (polymer)

Question 2

What is an additional reaction ?

Answer 2

If the monomers are alkenes, they can join up via an additional reaction

Question 3

Why is disposing addition polymers is difficult?

Answer 3

Because they contain many strong covalent bonds which are unreactive
Also they are non-biodegradable can’t be broken down by bacteria

Question 4

What can you do with an addition polymer?

Answer 4

Can be burnt to produce energy, but this realises lots of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide)