Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Disposal of addition polymers
21 practice questions
Practice questions
11–20 of 21
Question 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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 15
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 16
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 17
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 18
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.
Question 19
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Explain why addition polymers such as poly(propene) persist in the environment for very long periods. Suggest one environmental problem that may result from this persistence.
Question 20
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A city is searching for ways to manage its addition polymer waste. Answer the following questions about the disposal of addition polymers.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by the term 'biodegradable'.
(b)[2 marks]Explain, using the structure of addition polymers, why most of them are not biodegradable.
(c)[2 marks]Describe two environmental problems caused by the build-up of non-biodegradable addition polymers.