Polymers

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Lesson notes

Polymers: The Basics

Polymers are large molecules built from many smaller monomers.
Each monomer is joined to the next by covalent bonds.
Examples include poly(ethene), PVC, and nylon.

Monomers joining to form a polymer

Addition Polymerisation

Addition polymerisation occurs in monomers containing a C=C double bond (alkenes).
The C=C bond breaks, allowing monomers to join into a long chain.
Only one product (the polymer) is formed.
Example: ethene monomers → poly(ethene).
The polymer contains only single bonds.

Poly(ethene) formed by addition polymerisation

Naming Addition Polymers

Name = poly- + monomer name in brackets, e.g., propene → poly(propene).
The repeat unit shows the polymer structure.
To draw a repeat unit: change the C=C to a single bond, add continuation bonds at ends, and write a subscript n.

Repeat units of poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene)

Deducing Monomer from Polymer

Identify the repeating unit in the polymer chain.
Change the single bond in the repeat unit to a double bond.
Remove the continuation bonds at each end to obtain the monomer.

Deducing the monomer from a poly(chloroethene) repeat unit

Condensation Polymers (Extended Tier)

Formed when two different monomers link together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water.
Each monomer has two functional groups (one at each end).
The polymer and one water molecule per linkage are produced.

Nylon (Polyamide)

Made from a dicarboxylic acid (two -COOH groups) and a diamine (two -NH₂ groups).
An amide linkage forms with loss of water.
Structure can be shown using boxes for carbon chains.

Formation of a polyamide (nylon)

PET (Polyester)

Made from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol (two -OH groups).
An ester linkage forms with loss of water.
PET is also known as terylene and used in synthetic fibres.

Formation of PET (a polyester)

Slides

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Practice questions

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1.Which of the following is a polymer?
Easy
- AEthene
- BPoly(ethene)
- CEthanol
- DEthanoic acid
2.What is the name of the small molecule that links together to form a polymer?
Easy
3.Fill in the blanks.
Easy
During addition polymerisation, the ____ bond in the monomer breaks and only ____ product is formed.
4.Condensation polymerisation produces only the polymer molecule as the product.
Easy
True or false?
5.Match each polymer type with its monomer functional groups.
Medium
- Nylon
- PET
- Poly(ethene)
- Dicarboxylic acid and diamine
- Dicarboxylic acid and diol
- Alkene
6.What small molecule is removed during condensation polymerisation?
Easy
7.Which of the following is a polyamide?
Easy
- APoly(ethene)
- BNylon
- CPET
- DPVC
8.How many water molecules are released when 10 monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and 10 monomers of a diamine polymerise to form nylon? (Assume all monomers react completely.)
Hard
- A12
- B11
- C9
- D10

More questions

9.Arrange the following steps for deducing the monomer from a polymer repeat unit in the correct order:
Medium
- Identify the repeating unit in the polymer
- Change the single bond in the repeat unit to a double bond
- Remove the bond from each end of the repeat unit
10.Name the type of polymer formed when a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol.
Easy
11.Which linkage is formed in nylon?
Easy
- AEster linkage
- BAmide linkage
- CEther linkage
- DCarbon-carbon bond
12.Fill in the blank.
Easy
The name of the polymer is deduced by putting the name of the monomer in brackets and adding ____ as the prefix.
13.What is a polymer?
Easy
- AA large molecule built up from many smaller molecules called monomers
- BA small molecule that can join together to form a large molecule
- CA molecule that contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms
- DA molecule that contains a carbon–carbon double bond
14.During addition polymerisation, only one product is formed.
Easy
True or false?
15.Which of the following is formed during condensation polymerisation in addition to the polymer?
Easy
- AWater
- BCarbon dioxide
- CHydrogen
- DOxygen
16.In condensation polymerisation, the monomers have two functional groups, one on each end.
Easy
True or false?
17.What type of linkage is formed in nylon?
Easy
- AAmide linkage
- BEster linkage
- CPeptide linkage
- DGlycosidic linkage
18.What is the name of the polymer formed from propene monomers?
Easy
- APoly(propene)
- BPoly(propane)
- CPoly(propyne)
- DPoly(propylene)
19.Match each polymer type with its monomer(s).
Medium
- Poly(ethene)
- Nylon
- PET
- Ethene (alkene)
- Dicarboxylic acid and diamine
- Dicarboxylic acid and diol
20.In addition polymerisation, the polymer formed contains only single bonds.
Easy
True or false?
21.Which type of polymerisation involves monomers with a carbon-carbon double bond?
Easy
- ACondensation polymerisation
- BAddition polymerisation
- CHydrolysis polymerisation
- DSubstitution polymerisation
22.Which of the following are true about condensation polymerisation? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AIt produces a polymer molecule only.
- BIt produces a small molecule such as water.
- CMonomers must have two functional groups.
- DIt requires monomers with C=C bonds.
- EIt forms polyamides and polyesters.
23.Addition polymerisation produces only the polymer molecule as the product.
Easy
True or false?
24.Match each polymer type with the linkage formed in its chain.
Medium
- Nylon
- PET
- Poly(ethene)
- Ester linkage
- Amide linkage
- Carbon-carbon single bond
25.Arrange the following steps for deducing the monomer from a polymer repeat unit in the correct order.
Medium
- Change the single bond in the repeat unit to a double bond.
- Remove the bond from each end of the repeat unit.
- Identify the repeating unit in the polymer.
26.Which of the following is the correct repeat unit for poly(ethene)?
Easy
- A–CH2–CH2–
- B–CH2–CHCl–
- C–CH2–CH(CH3)–
- D–CH2–CHOH–
27.Which of the following are examples of condensation polymers? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- APoly(ethene)
- BNylon
- CPVC
- DPET
- EPoly(propene)
28.A student is given a sample of polymer and told it was formed by addition polymerisation. Which statement about the monomer used to make this polymer is correct?
Easy
- AThe monomer must contain a carbon–carbon double bond.
- BThe monomer must contain two different functional groups.
- CThe monomer must be a dicarboxylic acid.
- DThe monomer must be a diamine.
29.Which of the following are true about addition polymerisation? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AOnly one product is formed.
- BA small molecule such as water is produced.
- CThe monomers must contain a carbon–carbon double bond.
- DThe polymer contains both single and double bonds.
- EThe polymer is formed by the joining of monomers.
30.Condensation polymerisation always produces water as the small molecule removed.
Easy
True or false?
31.Match each polymer with the type of linkage it contains.
Medium
- Nylon
- PET (polyester)
- Poly(ethene)
- Amide linkage
- Ester linkage
- Carbon–carbon single bonds
32.Arrange the following steps in the correct order to deduce the monomer from a given addition polymer repeat unit.
Medium
- Identify the repeating unit in the polymer.
- Change the single bond in the repeat unit to a double bond.
- Remove the bond from each end of the repeat unit.
- Draw the monomer with the double bond.
33.A polymer is made from monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. Which type of polymerisation occurs and what linkage is formed?
Medium
- AAddition polymerisation; ester linkage
- BCondensation polymerisation; ester linkage
- CAddition polymerisation; amide linkage
- DCondensation polymerisation; amide linkage
34.The diagram shows a section of a polymer. Which type of polymer is shown?
Medium
- APolyester
- BPolyamide
- CPoly(ethene)
- DPoly(propene)
35.A student is performing an experiment to model addition polymerisation using ethene monomers. Which of the following best describes what happens to the carbon-carbon double bond during the reaction?
Easy
- AIt remains unchanged and the monomers simply stack together.
- BIt breaks and the monomers form single bonds to each other.
- CIt becomes a triple bond to strengthen the polymer.
- DIt breaks and the monomers form ionic bonds.
36.A student is investigating the properties of a polymer. Which of the following observations would suggest the polymer was formed by condensation polymerisation rather than addition polymerisation? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AThe polymer is produced from two different monomers.
- BOnly a single product is formed during polymerisation.
- CA small molecule such as water is released during polymerisation.
- DThe polymer contains ester or amide linkages.
- EThe monomer contains a carbon-carbon double bond.
37.In condensation polymerisation, water is always the small molecule released.
Easy
True or false?
38.Match each polymer type with the linkage it contains.
Easy
- Polyamide
- Polyester
- Poly(ethene)
- Amide linkage
- Ester linkage
- Single carbon-carbon bonds
39.A student is given a polymer sample and told it was formed by addition polymerisation. Which of the following statements about the monomer used to make this polymer is correct?
Easy
- AThe monomer must have two different functional groups.
- BThe monomer must contain a carbon-carbon double bond.
- CThe monomer must be a dicarboxylic acid.
- DThe monomer must be a diamine.
40.In an experiment, a student heats a mixture of a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. After reaction, the mass of the product is less than the total mass of the starting materials. Which of the following best explains this observation?
Medium
- ASome of the polymer has evaporated.
- BA small molecule, such as water, has been released during the reaction.
- CThe reaction is incomplete and some monomers have not reacted.
- DThe polymer has a lower density than the monomers.
41.What is a monomer?
Easy
- AA large molecule built up from many smaller molecules
- BA small molecule that joins together with other small molecules to form a polymer
- CA type of polymer
- DA molecule with a carbon-carbon double bond
42.What type of linkage is formed in a polyester?
Easy
- AAmide linkage
- BEster linkage
- CPeptide linkage
- DIonic linkage
43.Addition polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups.
Easy
True or false?
44.Which of the following statements about condensation polymerisation are correct? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AIt requires monomers with a carbon-carbon double bond.
- BIt produces a polymer and a small molecule, usually water.
- CThe monomers have two functional groups, one on each end.
- DIt only forms polyamides and polyesters.
45.A student is given a sample of a polymer and told that it was formed by condensation polymerisation. The student dissolves the polymer in a solvent and measures its molar mass. Which observation would confirm that the polymer was formed by condensation rather than addition polymerisation?
Hard
- AThe molar mass is very high, indicating a large number of repeat units.
- BThe polymer contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
- CThe polymer contains ester linkages and the molar mass is lower than expected if no water was lost.
- DThe polymer is insoluble in water.
46.Complete the sentence.
Easy
Addition polymerisation only occurs in monomers that contain a ____ bond.
47.How many water molecules are released when 5 monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and 5 monomers of a diol polymerise to form a polyester? (Assume all monomers react completely.)
Medium
48.State the type of polymerisation that produces only the polymer molecule as the product.
Easy
49.Complete the sentence about condensation polymerisation.
Easy
In condensation polymerisation, for every linkage formed, one molecule of ____ is released.
50.How many water molecules are released when 5 monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and 5 monomers of a diamine polymerise to form nylon? (Assume all monomers react and each linkage releases one water molecule.)
Hard
51.In the formation of nylon from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine, 99 molecules of water are released. How many monomers of each type reacted? Assume all monomers react completely.
Hard
52.State the name of the polymer formed by addition polymerisation of chloroethene (vinyl chloride).
Easy
53.Explain why condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups.
Medium
54.How many water molecules are released when 5 monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and 5 monomers of a diol polymerise to form a polyester? (Assume all monomers react completely.)
Medium
- A10
- B9
- C12
- D11
55.How many water molecules are released when 5 monomers of a dicarboxylic acid and 5 monomers of a diamine polymerise to form nylon? (Assume all monomers react and each linkage releases one water molecule.)
Medium
- A10
- B11
- C9
- D8
56.In the formation of nylon from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine, 99 molecules of water are released. How many monomers of each type reacted? Assume all monomers react completely.
Hard
- A49
- B50
- C51
- D52

Flashcards

What is a polymer?

A polymer is a large molecule built up from many smaller molecules called monomers, joined by covalent bonds.

What is a monomer?

A monomer is a small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer.

What type of bond joins monomers in a polymer?

Covalent bonds join monomers in a polymer.

Give three examples of polymers.

Poly(ethene), PVC, and nylon.

What is addition polymerisation?

Addition polymerisation is a process where monomers with a C=C double bond join together to form a long-chain polymer, with only one product formed.

What happens to the C=C bond during addition polymerisation?

The C=C double bond breaks, and the monomers join together to form single bonds in the polymer.

How is poly(ethene) formed?

Poly(ethene) is formed by the addition polymerisation of ethene monomers.

What is a repeat unit?

A repeat unit is the smallest repeating structure in a polymer chain, shown in brackets with a continuation bond at each end and a subscript n.

How do you draw the repeat unit from an alkene monomer?

Change the double bond in the monomer to a single bond, add continuation bonds at each end, and arrange the groups in the same order as around the double bond.

How do you deduce the monomer from an addition polymer?

Identify the repeating unit, change the single bond in the repeat unit to a double bond, and remove the bonds from each end.

What is condensation polymerisation?

Condensation polymerisation is when two different monomers link together with the removal of a small molecule, usually water, forming the polymer and water per linkage.

How does condensation polymerisation differ from addition polymerisation?

Addition polymerisation forms only the polymer molecule, while condensation polymerisation forms the polymer and one water molecule per linkage.

What functional groups are needed for condensation polymerisation?

Monomers must have two functional groups, one at each end, such as -COOH and -NH2 or -OH.

What is nylon and how is it formed?

Nylon is a polyamide formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine, with an amide linkage formed and water removed per link.

What is PET and how is it formed?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a polyester formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a diol, with an ester linkage formed and water removed per link.

What is the repeat unit of nylon?

The repeat unit of nylon consists of alternating amide linkages and carbon chains, often represented with boxes for the chains.

What is the repeat unit of PET?

The repeat unit of PET consists of alternating ester linkages and carbon chains, often represented with boxes for the chains.

What is the prefix used in naming addition polymers?

The prefix 'poly-' is added to the monomer name in brackets, e.g., poly(propene).

What type of monomers can undergo addition polymerisation?

Only monomers that contain a C=C double bond (alkenes) can undergo addition polymerisation.

What is the product of addition polymerisation besides the polymer?

Only the polymer is produced; no other product is formed.

What is the small molecule removed in condensation polymerisation?

Water is the small molecule removed in condensation polymerisation.

What is an amide linkage?

An amide linkage is the bond formed between a -COOH group and an -NH2 group, with loss of water.

What is an ester linkage?

An ester linkage is the bond formed between a -COOH group and an -OH group, with loss of water.

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