Polymers are long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.

Monomers are small molecules that can join together to form a polymer.

The relative molecular mass of a substance is the sum of the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule.

Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation where monomers join together to form only one product; a polymer.

The section of a polymer that repeats is known as the repeating unit.

Addition polymerisation

Chemistry

Alkenes

Alcohols

Chemical tests involving alkanes, alkenes and alcohols

Carboxylic acids and esters

Polymer properties and problems

Condensation polymerisation

Natural polymers

In the Chemistry of Carbon unit, pupils learned about the structure and bonding of carbon, and its ability to form various compounds.

This unit covers identifying functional groups, naming and drawing structural formulae, and predicting reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. It explains addition and condensation polymerisation and discusses natural polymers like DNA, sugars, and amino acids.

Organic chemistry

How many products are formed during addition polymerisation?

Polymerisation of the monomer shown in the image will produce which polymer?

long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.

small molecules that can join together to form a polymer.

where monomers join together to form only one product.

Match the key terms with the correct definitions.

The Mr of poly(ethene) is larger than the Mr of ethene.

The Mr of poly(ethene) is the same as the Mr of ethene.

The Mr of poly(ethene) is smaller than the Mr of ethene.

How does the relative molecular mass (Mr) of poly(ethene) compare with the relative molecular mass of ethene?

The image shows two repeat units. Which monomer was used in polymerisation to form a polymer containining these repeat units?

What is the relative molecular mass of H₂O?

What is the relative molecular mass of propene (C₃H₆)?

Monomers such as styrene can join together to form a polymer. What will the polymer be called?

Which monomer is used to make poly(propene)?

Addition polymerisation

Lesson outcome