SYNTHETIC POLYMERS [dchemlc]

the process of joining up of lots of monomers to make one big polymer is known as ________.

Answer explanation

Polymerisation is the joining up of lots of little molecules (monomers) to make one big molecule (polymer).

which of the following diagrams correctly depicts the repeating unit of the polymer, polythene?

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Answer explanation

Make sure you can distinguish between the different terms monomer, polymer and repeat unit.

which of the following is made by using low-density poly(ethene)?

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Answer explanation

Low-density poly(ethene) is mainly used as a thin film to make polythene bags. It is very flexible and not very strong.

what is the monomer polymerized to produce plastic crates?

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Answer explanation

Poly(propene) is somewhat stronger than poly(ethene). It is used to make ropes and crates (among many other things).

what can be added to polyvinylchloride to make it flexible?

which of the following diagrams correctly depicts the monomer of the polymer, PVC?

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Answer explanation

Polymerising chloroethene gives you poly(chloroethene). This is usually known by its old name, polyvinylchloride or PVC.

which of the following diagrams correctly depicts the polymer of PTFE?

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Answer explanation

• Polymerising tetrafluoroethene gives you poly(tetrafluoroethene) or PTFE, more commonly known as Teflon®

A polymer has the structure shown below. Identify the type of the polymer.

• addition polymer

• condensation polymer

Answer explanation

Each time two monomers combine, a small molecule such as water or hydrogen chloride is lost. The elimination of water gives the name condensation to this type of polymerisation.

An object had the given symbol on it. which polymer was this object made of?

• high-density poly(ethene)

• low-density poly(ethene)

• polypropene

• poly(tetraflouroethene)

Answer explanation

HDPE stands for High-Density Polyethylene.

If you can find a recycling symbol with the letters HDPE next to it, then the object is made of high-density poly(ethene). If it has some other letters there, then it is made of a different polymer.

which monomer was polymerized to make the given polymer?

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Answer explanation

polystyrene is commonly known as regiform