What polymers are, addition polymerisation of alkenes (poly(ethene), PVC), condensation polymerisation (nylon, polyesters), natural polymers, uses and environmental problems.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
Plastic bags, bottles, nylon ropes and even the proteins in your body are polymers: very long molecules built from small repeating units.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Compare the ethene monomer with a section of a poly(ethene) chain.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Macromolecule made from 50 or more monomers.
Small repeating unit.
Unsaturated monomer (C=C); double bond opens; only polymer formed.
Poly(ethene), poly(propene), PVC.
Two functional groups per monomer; water lost.
Nylon (polyamide), Terylene (polyester), proteins.
Proteins, starch, cellulose, rubber.
Non-biodegradable; toxic when burnt; recycle.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Chemistry Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (15 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [15 marks]
Polyethene is an addition polymer and nylon is a condensation polymer.
(a) (a) Define the term polymer. [2]
(b) (b) State the type of polymerisation used to make polyethene and name the monomer. [2]
(c) (c) Draw the structure of the monomer and the repeating unit of polyethene. [3]
(d) (d) State two differences between addition and condensation polymerisation. [2]
(e) (e) State one use of poly(ethene) and one use of nylon. [2]
(f) (f) Discuss two environmental problems caused by plastics and suggest a solution to each. [4]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.