ADDITION POLYMERS
1. There are two types of polymerisation, addition and condensation.
(a) Explain the difference between these two types of polymerisation.
[2]
(b) Some plastics, formed by polymerisation, are non-biodegradable.
Describe two pollution problems that are caused by non-biodegradable plastics.
[2]
(c) The polymer known as PVA is used in paints and adhesives. Its structural formula is shown
below.
―CH2―CH―CH2―CH―
│ │
OCOCH3 OCOCH3
Deduce the structural formula of its monomer.
2. (a) Synthetic polymers are disposed of in landfill sites and by burning.
(i) Describe two problems caused by the disposal of synthetic polymers in landfill sites.
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(ii) Describe one problem caused by burning synthetic polymers.
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(b) State two uses of synthetic polymers.
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(c) The structural formulae of two synthetic polymers is given below.
CH2
CH CH2 CH
CH3 CH3
Draw the structural formula of the
monomer of polymer A.
3. Polymers are made by the polymerisation of simple molecules called monomers.
(a) The structural formula of a polymer is given below.
This polymer is made by addition polymerisation. Draw the structural formula of its
monomer.
(b) Many polymers are non-biodegradable.
(i) Explain the term non-biodegradable.
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(ii) State three problems caused by the disposal of non-biodegradable polymers.
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(c) Storage tanks for cold water are now made from polymers because they are
cheaper than metal tanks. Suggest two other advantages of making cold water tanks from
polymers.
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4. Many monomer molecules react together to form one molecule of a polymer. This
reaction is called polymerisation.
(a) The structural formula of the polymer, poly(chloroethene), is given below. This
polymer is also known as PVC.
(i) A major use of PVC is insulation of electric cables. PVC is a poor conductor of
electricity.
Suggest another property which makes it suitable for this use.
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(ii) One way of disposing of waste PVC is by burning it. This method has the
disadvantage that poisonous gases are formed.
Suggest two poisonous gases which could be formed by the combustion of PVC.
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