Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Disposal of addition polymers
21 practice questions
Practice questions
1–10 of 10 · Normal
Question 1
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two reasons why addition polymers, such as poly(ethene), create problems for disposal in the environment.
Question 2
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]Explain what is meant by the term 'non-biodegradable' in the context of addition polymers.
(b)[2 marks]Describe two different methods used for disposing of waste addition polymers.
(c)[1 mark]For one of the methods you described in (b), give one environmental problem it can cause.
Question 3
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why incineration of addition polymers is used in some countries. Discuss both an advantage and a disadvantage of this disposal method.
Question 4
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the percentage of plastic waste disposed of by three methods in two countries.
Country Landfill (%) Incineration (%) Recycling (%) Denmark 3 55 42 UK 65 7 28 (a)[1 mark]Which country disposes of a higher percentage of its plastic waste by recycling?
(b)[1 mark]Calculate the difference in the percentage of plastic waste sent to landfill between Denmark and the UK.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one environmental reason why Denmark uses incineration much more than the UK.
(d)[1 mark]State one advantage of recycling plastics compared to landfill.
Question 5
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following best explains why addition polymers accumulate in landfill sites?
- A.Addition polymers are easily broken down by bacteria.
- B.Addition polymers are non-biodegradable.
- C.Addition polymers can be decomposed by sunlight quickly.
- D.Addition polymers are used only for recycling.
Question 6
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give one reason why it is difficult to break addition polymers down in the environment. Suggest one way the environmental impact of waste plastics can be reduced.
Question 7
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[2 marks]Describe two reasons why poly(propene) is difficult to dispose of in the environment.
(b)[1 mark]Explain one benefit of recycling poly(propene) instead of disposing of it in landfill.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one problem that might be caused by incinerating poly(propene).
Question 8
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Addition polymers are often disposed of by either landfill or incineration.
Explain why addition polymers are difficult to break down in the environment, and state one environmental problem caused by their accumulation.
Question 9
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Poly(ethene) is one of the most commonly used addition polymers. It is widely used for packaging, which leads to large amounts of waste.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by a non-biodegradable material.
(b)[2 marks]Describe two reasons why the accumulation of addition polymers such as poly(ethene) in landfill can be a problem for the environment.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one way to reduce the amount of poly(ethene) waste entering landfill sites.
Question 10
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A city produces 950,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year. 70% of this is made up of addition polymers. Only 12% of the addition polymer waste is recycled, while the rest is sent to landfill.
Calculate the mass of addition polymer that is sent to landfill each year. Show your working.