polymers

Question 1

Polymers

Answer 1

• Large molecules built by repetitive linking of smaller units called monomers
• natural polymers (carbohydrates and proteins)
• synthetic polymers (plastics)

Question 2

Polymer properties

Answer 2

density, melting point, flexibility, stability, strength, weight

Question 3

Addition polymers

Answer 3

• monomers added together using the electrons from the double bond
• All atoms present in the monomer are in the polymer
  e.g., polyethylene

Question 4

chain length

Answer 4

The length of polymers allows them to have substantial dispersion forces, therefore high melting point

Question 5

extent of branching

Answer 5

• If polymer forms a long chain with very few, short branches, they can pack closely together - higher density, orderly, crystalline arrangement making it tough with high melting point
• If a polymer has lots of branching, they cannot align themselves as well - low density, non-crystalline arrangement making it more soft and flexible

Question 6

Arrangement of side groups

Answer 6

Isotactic: all groups on one side
Atactic: side groups are random
Syntactic: alternating side groups

Question 7

condensation polymerisation

Answer 7

• monomers with functional groups that react with each other
• small water molecule is eliminated