Term 2 Part 2 - Polymers

Question 1

what is a monomer?

Answer 1

small molecule that chemically bonds with other monomers to form a polymer

Question 2

what is a polymer?

Answer 2

large chain like structure made of lots of repeating units (monomers)

Question 3

what are the 2 main categories of polymers with 2 examples in each category?

Answer 3

1. Natural
   DNA
   Cellulose
2. Synthetic (chemically made)
   Plastic
   Polyester

Question 4

what is polymerisation?

Answer 4

Chemical reaction where monomers join together to make a polymer

Question 5

what are cross linking polymers?

Answer 5

Polymer chains linked together to form a strong web-like structure

Question 6

what is an example of a cross linking polymer?

Answer 6

Natural rubber can be cross linked using sulphur

Question 7

what are microplastics?

Answer 7

tiny plastics that are the result of a breakdown of a much larger waste

Question 8

what is bioaccumulation?

Answer 8

Gradual accumulation of substances in 1 organism over time

Question 9

what is biomagnification?

Answer 9

When predators consume the smaller organisms and microplastics move up the food chain accumulating higher amounts

Question 10

what are 2 effects microplastics have on wildlife?

Answer 10

Stop breathing (block throat)
Block digestive system

Question 11

what are 2 effects microplastics have on humans?

Answer 11

Tissue inflammation
Toxins in blood stream