Ch. 13.5 : Polymerisation in Alkenes

Question 1

Define polymer

Answer 1

Large molecule formed by thousands of repeating units ( monomers )

Question 2

Define monomer

Answer 2

A specific arrangement of atoms in a polymer molecule that repeats over and over again

Question 3

Describe the relationships between plastics, polymers and monomers

Answer 3

The properties of a plastic material depend on the polymer chains that make it

The properties of a polymer depend on the monomers that make it

Question 4

Describe how you would show the repeating unit of a monomer

Answer 4

Double bond broken
Square brackets with bonds extending through it
‘n’ before monomer and after polymer

Question 5

What are the are conditions required for polymerisation of alkanes?

Answer 5

High temperature
High pressure
Catalysts