Polymers

Question 1

What is polymerisation?

Answer 1

The joining of lots of small alkene molecules(monomers) to form long-chain molecules.

Question 2

What do the physical properties of a polymer depend on?

Answer 2

• The material it is made from

- The temperature and pressure of polymerisation

Question 3

Uses of polymers(4)

Answer 3

• Plastic bags: light, stretchable
• Lycra fibre tights- elastic
• Water proof coatings
• Resin tooth fillings- dental polymers

Question 4

Pros/cons of polymers

Answer 4

-Cheap

• Not biodegradable/hard to get rid of/fills up landfills
• As crude oil gets used up it will be more expensive, so will polymers