C 8 Polymers and Ethanol

Question 1

What is a polymer?

Answer 1

A long-chain molecule made by joining together many small molecules called monomers.

Question 2

What is polymerisation?

Answer 2

A chemical reaction where monomers join to form a polymer.

Question 3

What type of monomers make addition polymers?

Answer 3

Alkenes, because they contain a carbon–carbon double bond.

Question 4

What is addition polymerisation?

Answer 4

A reaction where alkene monomers add together to form a saturated polymer, with no other products.

Question 5

Give an example of an addition polymer and its monomer.

Answer 5

Poly(ethene) from ethene monomers.

Question 6

What are the properties of plastics like poly(ethene) and poly(propene)?

Answer 6

They are flexible, durable, and good insulators, and can be moulded into different shapes.

Question 7

What are the environmental issues with plastics?

Answer 7

They are non-biodegradable, cause pollution, and accumulate in landfills and oceans.

Question 8

How can ethanol be produced?

Answer 8

Hydration of ethene (from crude oil)
Fermentation of sugars (from plants)

Question 9

What are the conditions for fermentation to make ethanol?

Answer 9

30°C
Yeast catalyst
Anaerobic conditions (no oxygen)

Question 10

Compare hydration of ethene and fermentation of sugars.

Answer 10

Hydration: Fast, pure ethanol, non-renewable (crude oil)
Fermentation: Slower, impure ethanol, renewable (plants)