Structure of polymers
I can give examples of polymers and explain how the properties of polymers depend on their structure.
Structure of polymers
I can give examples of polymers and explain how the properties of polymers depend on their structure.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Polymers are made from small molecules called monomers that join together to form very long chains of atoms.
- Some polymers have high melting points because their molecules are hard to separate.
- Polymers can be made synthetically, but some also exist naturally.
- A plasticiser added to a polymer gets between polymer molecules and allows them to move over each other more easily.
- Cross-links between polymer molecules can make a polymer harder and less flexible.
Keywords
Polymer - Long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.
Forces of attraction - A pulling force that keeps particles close together.
Synthetic - A product that is manufactured from natural resources.
Plasticiser - A substance that is added to a polymer to increase its flexibility.
Cross-link - A chemical bond between different chains of atoms in a polymer.
Common misconception
Students often think that intermolecular forces exist within a molecule, unaware of the significant difference in strength between chemical bonds within atoms and the forces between molecules.
Help students to make the link between the structure of the polymer and its property by using models. Point out where the intermolecular forces occur and compare this to where the chemical bonds are.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following three properties make polymers useful for making plastic water bottles?
Q2.Plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics. Which of the following materials are classified as polymers?
Q3.Models are used in science to test ideas without facing practical or ethical issues. However, they have , such as only representing one aspect of a concept rather than the whole.
Q4.Match the following key terms to their definition.
particles that make up chemical elements
a strong force that holds atoms together in a compound
a substance where two or more different elements are chemically bonded
a substance made up of only one type of atom
made up of two or more atoms chemically bonded (usually non–metals)
Q5.Which of the following properties of rubber makes it useful for making rubber bands?
Q6.Consider ice, water, and water vapour. The atoms and molecules are held together differently and with varying strengths. What happens at the boiling point when water turns to water vapour?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following key terms to their definition.
a strong force that holds atoms together in a compound
a chemical bond between atoms in different polymer chains
a pulling force that keeps particles close together
a substance that is added to a polymer to increase its flexibility
Q2.Materials can be natural or synthetic. Natural means they occur in nature. Synthetic means they are .
Q3.Polymers can be represented with models. Which list correctly describes the image with three polymer models, from left to right?
Q4.Match the following key terms to their description.
natural; carbohydrate found in plant cell walls
natural; nucleic acid involved in carrying genetic information
synthetic; high density poly(ethene) used for plastic bottles
synthetic; low density poly(ethene) used for plastic bags
synthetic; poly(vinyl chloride) used for sockets, switches and wellies
natural; protein fibre often made by sheep