Key learning points

1. Polymers are very large covalent molecules (not giant structures)
2. Polymers can be represented by showing repeated units
3. Polymers consist of repeating and identical sections called monomers
4. Polymers are solid at room temperature because the intermolecular forces between polymer molecules are relatively strong

Keywords

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

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

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

• Intermolecular forces - Intermolecular forces are weak forces of attraction between molecules, and molecular substances.

Common misconception