11 3 polymers

A polymer is a large molecule of high relative molecular mass made by linking together large numbers of smaller molecules called monomers.

A monomer is a smaller molecule that links together to form a polymer.

Monomers in a polymer are connected via covalent bonds.

True. Poly(ethene) is and addition monomer formed from ethene monomers.

The process of making polymers is called polymerisation.

Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation in which monomers are added to form a polymer chain without the loss of any molecules.

The name of the polymer formed from the following alkene would be (poly)propene.

X is the repeating unit.

Condensation polymers are formed when two different monomers are linked together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water.

In addition polymerisation, only the polymer molecule is formed. In condensation polymerisation, the polymer molecule and one small molecule (typically water) per linkage are formed.

The monomers have two functional groups present, one on each end.

A small molecule is lost, usually water.

A dicarboxylic acid is a carboxylic acid with two -COOH groups, one at each end of the molecule.

A diol is an alcohol with two -OH groups, one at each end of the molecule.

X is an ester linkage.

False. The following polymer is a polyamide.

The monomer which forms the polymer is:

The functional group in the polymer below is a carboxylic acid group.

Polymers are difficult to dispose of because they are unreactive and chemically inert, so they don't easily biodegrade.

Incineration is the process of burning polymers, which releases a lot of heat energy.

The main environmental concern with polymer incineration is the production of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas.

Disposing of polymers in landfills takes up valuable land, as they are non-biodegradable and cannot be broken down by microorganisms.

Polymers that contain chlorine, such as PVC, release toxic hydrogen chloride gas when burned.

Landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial.

True. If incinerated by incomplete combustion, polymers can produce toxic carbon monoxide.

True. Waste plastic can accumulate in oceans and disrupt marine life.

True. PET can be converted back into monomers and re-polymerised.

True. Proteins are examples of condensation polymers.

Amino acids contain the amine / NH2 and carboxylic acid / COOH functional groups.

The monomers that make up proteins are amino acids.

False. There are approximately 20 amino acids.

False. Proteins are natural polyamides.